It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Wife, mother, daughter, sister aunt, godmother and friend. Joanne Madeline Alex, began her journey to the spirit world at home on May 22nd 2023, surrounded by loved ones, friends and prayers.
Joanne was born in Baddeck on November 8th, 1970, and was the oldest daughter to Josephine (Googoo) Peck and Late Joseph “Joe” Peck. Joanne was an amazing educator, mother, wife, professor, principal, director and leader. Joanne wore many different types of capes, she was our everyday superhero. Joanne touched the lives and hearts of many individuals all around Unama’ki. Joanne’s love she had for her family was like no other, her daughters; Libbie, Abby and Maria were the center of her world. Everything she accomplished in her life was for her children.
Many knew Joanne by Mrs. Alex this was her 2nd greatest title other than mom. Mrs. Alex started her journey in We’koqma’q 30 years ago. She filled the school halls, classrooms, boardrooms, and ultimately the community with her joyfulness and passion filled personality as well as her inspiring vision. Her humble way of being and her ability to see the greatness in people helped to foster amazing educators.
Joanne has had a passion for working with students with Autism from the moment she began working in the classroom. She has been an advocate for students and has worked with teachers to help them understand the importance of meeting students where they are to help them grow. She has led all of her fellow educators to see the gifts that children with Autism bring to the world.
Her smile, laughter, energy, intelligence and her beauty, radiated out from her in every interaction. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy, for current and future educators to emulate and generations of students who can attest to. The impact of Mrs. Alex’s beautiful but short life cannot be understated, as its reach is shared and far reaching, from school staff to students and their parents current, past and beyond.
Joanne’s short life, was lived to the absolute fullest, she was always ready for an adventure. She was the Captain. Whether it be laying on a beach in the sun or riding a roller coaster in Disney World. Joanne enjoyed going on her yearly summer vacations with family and friends from attending Saint Anne’s Mission, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, camping and just recently her beautiful cottage in Mala. She also loved travelling to Toronto with her soulmate Rodney, to watch the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. But one of her greatest adventures of them all was when she got to on a pilgrimage to Rome Italy, where she got to unwind and enjoy the moment with her greatest partners her Mother and sister.
Joanne had a strong Catholic Faith, Joanne’s devotion was to Saint Anne, attending the annual mission on Chapel Island in Potlotek. The Miniku was her favourite place in the world. This was her peace where she would spend the next three weeks surrounded by friends, family and her PEI bingo friends. She welcomed many to her welcoming cabin with her generous spirit, she
made sure everyone was fed throughout the whole mission. This also led her to join Wagmatcook Pilgrimage to Ste Anne de Beaupre, annually. Joanne was devoted to the church and gracefully accepted the greatness that comes with having such a strong faith.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Rodney Alex; daughters, Libbie, Abby, Maria Alex of Eskasoni. Daughters by choice, Candace, Shannon, Madeline, Kady and Ainsley, Son by choice, Ross. Sister; Neilene peck, Brother Jamie (Joanne) Peck, Shawn Paul both of Wagmatcook. Joanne is also survived by her BFF Kim Denny, Nitap John L Bernard and many close friends. Sister in laws; Darlene (Simon) Poulette, Pamela Poulette, Connie, Shelley Cameron. Brother in Laws; Douglas (Jackie) Alex, George Alex, Camillius Jr Alex, Junie Marshall, Father in law, Howard Poulette. Joanne is also survived by her Aunts; Rita Pierro, Nano Bernard, Godmother/ Aunt; Etheleyna Peck. Joanne had a special Bond with her all her nieces and nephews. Jaylene, Bison, Dallas, Duncan, John B and Isla of Wagmatcook. Numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews of Eskasoni, Pictou and We’koqma’q. Also her pride and joy Alyssa, of Potlotek. Joanne is also survived by all her Grandbabies by choice who she held close in her heart. She is also survived by seven godchildren Cody, Kaitlyn, Hailee, Lateesha, Duncan, Tyren and Skyla.
Joanne was predeceased by her sibling in infancy Baby peck, Father Joseph “Joe” Peck, Godfather John Prosper, brother by choice Sheldon Jamie Peck. Brother in Law John Alex. Mother and Father in law; Annie Jane and Camillus Alex. Niece in infancy Nicole Bernard, Godchild by choice Robert Berk.
A special thank you to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre team, Palliative Care team, VON team Eskasoni Health Centre, Wagmatcook Health centre and We’koqma’q, Wagmatcook, Eskasoni Band Council for lovingly caring for our wife and mom.
“Mom, we love you to the moon and back.”
Visitation for Mrs. Alex will start after 7pm on May 30th in her home at 167 Beach Road in Eskasoni. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 1st at 10:30am, Fr. Antolin Asor and Deacon Tom Sylliboy to officiate. Burial and salite will follow. To share memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
