Joan Marie Spears

SPEARS, Joan Marie (Neatt) - The family of Joan Marie Spears is saddened to announce her death, which occurred the morning of April 4th, at the QE II in Halifax. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the age of 75. Joan was the daughter of Joseph and Josephine Neatt and was a lifelong resident of Halifax. She was a city girl at heart, but enjoyed her weekend trips to Ketch Harbour to see family. It was there that she met Ken Spears, the love of her life, at a dance. They married in 1959 and built a home in Fairview, raising six boys together with fair and loving hearts. Family was everything to Joan. Her loyalty and patience as a wife and mother set a loving example for her boys as they grew to be strong men, loving husbands and fathers. Through their 52 years of marriage Joan and Ken’s home became the hub of the family, growing to include wives and eleven grandchildren. It is where we all gathered – Joseph, when home from Vancouver; Mike and Tanya, with their girls Jennifer and Andrea; Brian and Carolyn, with their children Lindsay, Emily and Cameron; John and Michelle, with their children Christopher and Karrie; Bruce and Wendy, with their boys Daniel and Peter; and Andrew and Jennifer, with their girls Kaitlyn and Rebecca. Joan celebrated and cherished every new addition to the family, each one as precious as the last. Joan loved life and enjoyed her time with family and friends, at her home, the cottage in Linden, or anywhere we all gathered. She loved entertaining and wouldn’t rest until everyone had drink and a bite to eat and felt at home. She was a thoughtful and devoted wife, mother and friend. We will miss her bright eyes, beautiful smile and loving heart. Joan was predeceased by her parents, and a brother David. In addition to Ken and the boys, she is survived by a brother, Donald (Mary) in Halifax. We invite you to join us for visitation at J.A. Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive in Halifax on Monday April 9th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday April 10th at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Mumford Road in Halifax at 10:00 AM. Reverend Joseph Thomas will officiate. We will gather for a reception following the mass and look forward to hearing your special memories of Joan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maritime Heart Center or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.JASnowFuneralHome.com.