Age 80
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Vera Upshall (nee Babb, Bell Island) who passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family singing her favourite songs, on Friday, November 27, 2015 in St. John's. Joan was predeceased by her husband Elmer, who she dearly missed and adored, her parents, Eugene and Gladys Babb, her sisters Daphne, Greta, Floss, Enid, and brothers Bill, Eugene, Fred (Tom), Mac, John and her beautiful granddaughter Angel Hailey Rebecca Upshall. Left to celebrate and honour her memory are her nine children: Lynn (Bill Bennett), Pamela (Jack Borden), Dianne (John Slaght), Sharon (Ron Sweeney), Joanne (Paul Atkins), Scott (Mandy), Roma (Lindy Mercer), Robin (Carmen), Mac (Jane); her twenty-two grandchildren: Rebecca, John Robert, Bradley, Susan, Scottie, Stacy, Stephanie, Shane, Brent, Jennifer, Andrea, Ronnie, Ryan, Evan, Sara, Mark, Mitchel, Justin, Danielle, Kristian, Lauren, Carra, and nineteen great-grandchildren; her sisters, Ruth (Mike Brown) and Rose (Carl Hustins) and her many special nieces, nephews, relatives, great friends and neighbours, especially John and Penny House. Joan was a source of joy and love to all who knew her. She was especially dear to her loving caregiver, Darlene Stratton and the many other wonderful caregivers who were a part of her life. Joan shared her love with several foster children for a number of years. She was known for offering a stranger a ride, taking a child off the street to feed or clothe, and numerous other little acts of kindness that were part of her daily life. Her kindness was an integral part of her essence. Joan and Elmer found great pleasure in meeting and making new friends while entertaining guests at Braeside Cottages in Seal Cove. They enjoyed life to the fullest. The twinkle in Elmer's eye, spoke to the love they shared. Joan's joy was like a magnet that brought people together. She was famous for creating magical moments with her music. She was very generous with her time and enjoyed spending an afternoon playing for the seniors and legionnaires with her brother Mac, greeting family and friends at the airport, or helping celebrate special occasions. Joan's warmth and compassion for others was felt by many. She loved life and never wanted to leave the party. At the young age of eighteen, Joan started her family and by the age of thirty-two she was blessed with six daughters and three sons. The visits from her grandchildren made Joan sparkle; she took the time to make sure each of them felt special. Whether it was a visit to the beach, tea parties with fine china or dress-up, she made her time with them memorable. Joan was a special auntie to many of her nieces and nephews. They went out of their way to spend time with her and she cherished that time. Joan was always surrounded by her family, sharing her music and her joy, to which she passed on to many. Her gift of music will be felt for generations to come. A special thank you to everyone who loved her and made her life fulfilled. Thank you to the staff at the Palliative Care Unit of the Miller Centre and the Dr. H. Murphy Bliss Cancer Centre for their warm and loving care. Visitation at Carnell's Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 1045 Topsail Road, Sunday, November 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and Monday, November 30 from 12 noon - 2:30 p.m. Funeral to follow from the Carnell Memorial Chapel, 329 Freshwater Road, at 4 pm. Celebration of life to follow at Carnell's Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 1045 Topsail Road. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to The Children's Wish Foundation or The Ronald McDonald House. To send a message of condolences or to sign the memorial guest book please visit www.carnells.com.

"When you think of Joan, sing a joyful song with her in mind. She blessed us with her countless gifts of love and her treasured gift of music. Share that joy in her memory."