Joann MacAskill Griffin

Died peacefully at her home on December 20, 2025 with her daughter Heidi Hallett, sister Tia Cooper, and beloved caregivers Alister Eseke, Danielle Ryan, and Mark Madu by her side, following years of rising to the many challenges Lewy Body Dementia threw her way.

A note to readers - generous and organized, Joann wrote most of her obituary, several years ago, leaving very little for her daughters to question.

Joann was the ”first born” of the late Dr. Joseph Frederick and Mrs. Catherine MacAskill Griffin’s triplet daughters. She is survived by her two daughters, Cassandra Hallett and Heidi Hallett (Pete Lindsay); her sisters, Nancy Griffin and Cynthia (Tia) Cooper (George Cooper); two grandchildren, Zoë and Emmett DaSilva; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by George Burpee Hallett, the father of her daughters.

In her own words, Joann asked that readers know that, “The greatest source of joy and pride in my life has been my two uniquely different and truly wonderful daughters; and my life has been enriched by an eclectic circle of kind, generous, fun-loving, caring friends and family.”

Joann did not want any listing of the various positions she held during a career spent largely in the university world, including both the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and Dalhousie University. Her playful spirit preferred that, if anything was to be listed it would be the addresses of the many places she happily called home. She felt they would be more a reflection of who she was, especially her penultimate apartment which her grandchildren affectionately named, “Gran’s Museum.”

She wishes to be remembered as she was often described - “You are always smiling.”

Special thanks are offered by the family to Joann’s dear friend Darrell MacLeod; to her remarkable caregivers Bin Parsons (missed every day since he passed away May 6, 2025), Alister Arinze Eseke, Danielle Ryan, and Mark Madu; to many staff at Northwood Manor; and to her phenomenal physicians Dr. Sarah Brydie, Dr. Edith Baxter, and Dr. Ken Rockwood.

Cremation has taken place. At Joann’s request, there will be no visitation. Family flowers only please. In recognition of the pleasure that art brought to her life, and her firm belief that art matters, you are encouraged to use your imagination and make a donation to a creative endeavour of your choice, be it in support of an institution or an individual artist, performer, or writer. For those who are able to do so, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia (alzheimer.ca/ns/en) are also encouraged; Joann had a strong desire that, in future, others would not have to suffer terribly from Lewy Body Dementia.

Details regarding a celebration of Joann’s life will be shared as soon as possible.