Johanna (Joan) (nee Conway) Doyle

It is with sad hearts and loving memories that we announce the passing of our precious mother Joan at St Clare’s Mercy Hospital on December 9th, 2022 in the presence of family.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Gus, daughter Pauline, sons; Gordon and Thomas, son-in-law David Dawe, brother William, and sister Margaret.

Leaving to mourn with a lifetime of cherished memories are her children: daughters; Muriel (Dave deceased), Rose (Patrick), Brenda (Melvin) and Joanne (Craig), daughter in-law Iris, sons; Eugene (Bernice), Bill (Wanda), Gus (Cheryl) and Kevin (Dana), son-in-law Edward Flynn, 18 Grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, extended family, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends.

She was born in Colliers in 1929 to William and Josephine Conway. Her childhood was marred by many tragedies, including the death of her mother, the fiery destruction of her family home and a brief period of time spent living in an orphanage, yet Joan most often described a peaceful life of subsistence.

Joan married at 18 and moved to Avondale where she lived throughout her long marriage, years she described as fun and never being lonely. She was a hard worker both inside and outside her home. When the youngest of her 11 children turned 3, Joan served in a variety of childcare and housekeeping positions, including 15 years with the Christian Brothers in Avondale.

Since 2014, Joan has lived at Admirals Coast Retirement Centre, enjoying good company and the occasional happy hour. She was a lover of sweets, scratch tickets and smutty romance novels. Known for her sharp mind and sharp tongue. Joan’s family will miss hearing the most recent gossip and losing to her at cards.

Special thanks to the staff and her friends at Admirals Coast and particularly to Cora Perry with whom Joan shared a close friendship.

We also want to express our gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and support staff at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital for their care and compassion for our mom.

Resting at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 11th from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption Catholic Church, Avondale on Monday, December 12th, 2022 at 2:00 pm with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, Goat Shore Road, Avondale.

No Flowers please, due to a severe allergy. Donations can be made to Assumption Parish Cemetery Fund or a charity of one’s choice.