Frances Joan Dempsey

wife of Rev. Ronald W Dempsey (deceased 2013), in her 92nd year, on December 15, 2021 with

her children by her side. She is survived by her four children, Wendy Trimingham (John),

Bermuda; Anne Rodger (James), Bedford NS; Mark Dempsey (Karen Brown), Halifax, NS;

Marion Gillespie (Peter), Hammonds Plains NS. Nanny will be missed greatly by her

grandchildren, Jeffrey San Angelo (Sarah), Ryan San Angelo, Katie Trimingham Roberts

(David), Matthew Dempsey, Nathan Rodger, Rachael Dempsey, Liam Gillespie and Hannah

Gillespie and her two great grandchildren, Amelia Roberts and Ryan San Angelo. Joan is also

survived by her sister, Ruth Magee (Bud), Ottawa Ontario, her sister in laws; Joan Randall,

Queenie MacKeigan & Betty Rhodes, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joan was born and raised in Moncton NB and a graduate of Moncton High. She worked as an

agent at Mutual Life of Canada, was Secretary to the principal of Port Hawkesbury Elementary

School and the Secretary to the President of Mount Alison University NB. She was a dedicated

United Church minister’s wife supporting Ron in his pastoral charges throughout New

Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Bermuda. Joan was involved with the United Church Women

(UCW), taught many children in Sunday school and was an Explorer and Canadian Girls in

Training (CGIT) leader.

Joan had a way about her that drew many to her, as she was a kind, caring and funny woman,

who could banter with the best of them. Her quick wit and, as her kids will attest too, her saucy

nature, constantly made her family and friends chuckle. Everyone who met Joan through the

years were left with a loving impression due to her warm and compassionate nature. She always

cared for those in need and the children fondly remember Joan giving haircuts to a few of the

homeless men while the family lived in Truro, much to the chagrin of Ron and the local police

department.

Her most favorite times were spent with her kids and grandchildren, especially at the cottage in

Brule Point NS. Many summers found Joan and Ron looking after the grandkids at the cottage.

Even though the kids kept her busy, she always found time to sit and relax with a good book and

a cup of tea, looking out over the water.

Our sincerest thank you to the nursing and support staff of Elk Court Continuing Care,

Brookfield NS, who treated Joan with love, compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, or Alzheimer’s Society of Nova

Scotia.

A funeral will be held at a later date in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, where she will be laid to rest

alongside the love of her life, Ron.

She will be missed.