Joan Isobel Stead

It is with love and deepest sadness that the family announce Joan Stead passed away peacefully at Drummond Hall, Parkland, Halifax on May 22, 2017. Born July 27, 1921 in Seaham, Durham County, England, she was the daughter of the late Sidney and May (Dobson) Matthews. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 wonderful years, Doctor Llewellyn Stead; her brother, Sidney Gordon and her son in law, John Sperdakes. Joan is survived by her three children, Sandra (Rick) Capon, Pictou; Gordon (Deborah Collins) Stead and Kay Sperdakes; grandchildren, Sarah (Gordie) Veinot, Stephen (Jennifer) Capon, Mark (Darlene) Stead, Jennifer (Todd Murphy) Stead, PEI, and Chris Sperdakes; great grandchildren, William and Thomas Veinot, Olivia Holman and Abigail Capon, Cody and Dylan Stead, Ashleigh (Jamie) Howlett, Sara and William Murphy and Grayson Clements; and great-great-grandchild Charlie Howlett.

Joan met and married Llewellyn, the man of her dreams, in England during the Second World War. As a young bride, she set sail overseas on the Queen Mary to join her husband in Halifax at Pier 21 (as a war bride) where they would start their life together and raise their family. She had a love and passion for dancing, music, painting and working in her garden where she would spend countless hours. Her life of volunteering led her to the IWK where she became Co-ordinator of hand painted articles for the IWK Kermesse for over 35 years. Joan was an active and long standing member of the following societies: The Royal St. George’s Society of Halifax, Royal Commonwealth Society of Nova Scotia, The Scots: The North British Society and the Auxiliary of the IWK Health Centre where she made many lifelong friends. She was also a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. The last five years of Joan’s life were spent at Drummond Hall and Bradford Hall where she developed special friendships with the residents and staff. Joan will be dearly missed by her family and friends for her strength and determination that inspired and touched those who knew and loved her. Her family would like to express sincere gratitude and thanks to the staff of Drummond Hall, Bradford Hall and Palliative Care for the kindness and compassion they provided to our mother in her time of need.

Visitation will be held at Snow’s Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Sunday May 28th from 1pm-4pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1749 Argyle Street, Halifax, on Tuesday May 30th at 10am with a reception to follow immediately after Snow’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of NS, IWK Health Centre Foundation, St. Paul’s Anglican Church or charity of choice.