1931 – 2020
Mom, Nanny, Joan (nee Settle) Spidell went to be with her Lord in Heaven on March 26, 2020. A kind, intelligent and beautiful woman, Joan is deeply loved and will be forever missed by her children: Dougie (Georgina) Spidell; Danny (Heather) Spidell; Jo-Anne (Kenneth) O’Brien; grandchildren Beth (Adam) McLean; Kenneth (Heidi) O’Brien; Katie (Jonathan) Swan; Nathan O’Brien (Sage); Matthew Spidell (Lindsay); Sarah Spidell; Sara (Matt) Chase; Jesse (Melissa) Spidell; Dougie (Lisa) Spidell; great grandchildren Ariel, Cayson, Kinsley, Tate, Evie, Lilah, Logan, Austin, Molly, Hadley, Juliana, Madeline; sisters Bonnie Yates and Beverley Gargin, brother Michael Settle, cousin Nancy Lee Mason; together with her extended family and friends. She was predeceased by husband Douglas Spidell and brother Weldon.
Born to Irma and Maurice Settle, Joan grew up in Halifax. She loved to tell how she met her handsome Doug while they were both working for the Halifax Dockyard. They soon married and made their home in Fairview where their little house on Frederick was a gathering place and a shelter for family, friends and those in need. Joan worked for Sears Canada and was a devoted member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), receiving national recognition for her 50 years of active participation. She and Doug loved summers at Noel Shore, Ronnie and Shirley’s farm in Maitland, family reunions at sister Bonnie and Johnny’s lake house, and their church.
As Joan’s family grew and moved to parts of Canada and the US, she was the glue to connect us. With her ‘razor-sharp’ memory and love for storytelling, she had all the phone numbers, birthdates, and latest news. Nanny adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was happiest when attending their recitals, hockey games, birthday parties, graduations, weddings and family gatherings, or talking with them on the phone. Joan was always happy for visits and calls from her many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joan’s family and friends take great comfort knowing she is in the arms of her Lord and reunited with her Doug. “We can imagine the joy in your perfect face as you were greeted by Jesus and Grandad. We can hear him singing ‘Baby Doll’ to you now.”
The family would like to thank the nurses at Northwood Bedford Campus who cared for her, especially in those last days that were so very difficult for us all. Because of public health concerns, a gathering/service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, NS.
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