Obituary of Joan Barbara Clarke

Joan Barbara Clarke Glace Bay “Living was my biggest celebration of life and I had the joy of having a very loving family and devoted friends whom walked life’s path with me.” -Joanie It is with these words in mind that we sadly announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Born in Glace Bay, on September 29, 1940, Joanie was the daughter of the late Arthur and Anna (Buckland) Gillard. Joanie worked at the Glace Bay Bus Co., later transferring to Transit Cape Breton. It was there, while working in the office that she made lasting friendships with her fellow co-workers. Joanie was married to the late Lonnie Clarke. Their home was always the center for hosting many festive occasions for both the Clarke and Gillard families. You were always greeted with much love and could be assured that Joanie would have a wonderful meal prepared; including her homemade bread and sweets that were enjoyed by so many. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Glace Bay. Her greatest enjoyments in life included reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends; especially with her three loves of her life, her granddaughters, and of course, assuring she never missed an episode of her favorite show, Coronation Street. Joanie is survived by her devoted children, Rhonda (Allie) Toomey, Brenda (Ray) Boutilier, and her son, Howie, as well as her three loving granddaughters, Allison, Shaelyn and Ashley. Also surviving are sisters, Bernice Donovan (late Neil), Karen Broderick (late Richard), Eleanor Allan; brothers, Gordon Gillard (late Babe), Stephen (Marilyn), Richard (Sandra) Gillard and Wilfred. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Joanie. Joanie was predeceased by her husband, Lonnie; sister, Martha Feaver; brothers, Ronnie Ratchford and Jimmy Gillard; nephews, Christopher Allan, Rodney Gillard and Richie Feaver, and niece, Doreen Ratchford. Joanie was a very proud and brave person. She insisted on maintaining privacy in the face of her illness from the desire to spare her family worry and grief. That was our mom, kind to everyone. Those who knew of her illness provided the family with unending support, and for this we are thankful. The family would also like to thank the staff of 4D at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, as well as Palliative Care and VON. Another special thanks to Rev. Myrna MacMullin and Rev. Marian Lucas-Jefferies for their visits and special prayers. In honouring our mother’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service for the family will be held at later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS 902-849-4199. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.