Joan Mary Chiddenton

September 9, 1934 – July 2, 2025

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Joan Mary Chiddenton, who departed this life peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on September 9, 1934, in Sydney, Australia, Joan lived a life marked by grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a beautiful woman of quiet strength and boundless warmth, whose presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her.

Joan met the love of her life, Douglas, while vacationing with friends in Coolangatta near Brisbane. At the time, Douglas was a young Midshipman in the Navy, deployed with his fellow sailors to Australia and New Zealand. Their chance meeting sparked a connection that would span continents and decades.

After their initial meeting, Joan and her dear friend Jill set off on an adventure to North America, traveling across the United States and eventually settling in Washington, D.C., where Joan worked at the Embassy of India. Fate brought Joan and Douglas back together, and their love story resumed—culminating in a joyful marriage that would last 68 wonderful years.

Joan is survived by her beloved husband Douglas, and their children: Brian, Theresa (Steve), and David (Charlene). She was a proud and loving grandmother to four grandchildren and a doting great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her eldest son Mark (Dawn), and by her dear sisters Marie and Margaret. Their memories live on in the hearts of all who loved them.

A woman of many talents and passions, Joan was an avid reader, a fantastic cook, and a gifted quilter whose creations brought warmth and beauty to many homes. She had a deep love of music and was a longtime member of the Dartmouth Choral Society. Her passion for singing also inspired her to found the first children’s choir at Saint Thomas More Church, where she nurtured young voices and built a legacy of joyful song.

Joan also believed in staying active and healthy throughout her life. She found joy and vitality in swimming, walking, and practicing yoga—activities that kept her energized and grounded well into her later years.

Joan’s life was a testament to the power of love, creativity, and community. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her thoughtful nature, and the countless ways she made life better for those around her.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Thomas More Church on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. All who knew and loved Joan are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Joan’s name.

Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.