Johanna 'Joan' (Gillis) Wagner
Born In: Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: March 13th, 1934
Passed in: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: May 27th, 2012
The family of Johanna ‘Joan’ Florence (Gillis) Wagner, announce with heavy hearts, the passing of Joan to Alzheimer disease on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at the Alderwood Rest Home, Baddeck.
Joan was born on March 13, 1934 in Whycocomagh, C.B., to the late James and Kathleen Gillis. Joan was the youngest of seven children. At the age of 14, when her father passed away, she and her mother moved to Halifax where Joan completed her schooling. Joan enrolled in the RN program at the Halifax Children's Hospital in the early 50s but was unable to complete her studies, at that time. She did fulfill her lifelong dream to be a nurse by becoming a CNA in 1975 and worked 18 years at the IWK Children's Hospital on the Neurology Ward, 5 East.
She loved to bake and became a very accomplished cake decorator for any occasion. In her retirement, she was a hospice volunteer and learned to quilt - making four quilts before this task became too much for her. She was a life member of the United Church Women of Canada, where she held many positions through the years and was a member of Stewart United Church in Whycocomagh.
Joan is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Gerald Emery Wagner, Whycocomagh. She is also survived by her children, Lynn (Phil) Caldwell, Whycocomagh; Delton (Valerie) Wagner, Bridgewater; Susan (Perry) Nicholson, Harriettsfield; grandchildren, Adam Caldwell, Halifax; Kim (Kenny) Clarke, Middle Sackville; Robert Wagner, Bridgewater; Nicholas Nicholson, Fort McMurray; Nicole Nicholson, Harriettsfield. Great-grandchildren, Bradley D'Eon Caldwell, Taylor Warren, Brooke Clarke, Meadow Clarke. She is also survived by brother, Harold Gillis, Ottawa and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Laurence Gillis, Munro (Connie) Gillis, Lauchlin (Agnes) Gillis, Charles (Lois) Gillis; her sister, Velda (Alex) MacDonald.
Visitation will take place on Friday, July 27 from 7-9 p.m. at the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Main Street, Whycocomagh. The Celebration of Life Service, under the direction of Rev. Donna Tourner, will be held on Saturday, July 28 at 1 p.m. at the Stewart United Church, Main Street, Whycocomagh. Reception to follow service.
Condolences may be sent to www.haverstocks.com.
The family is grateful to Drs. Genge and Chow and the staff at Alderwood Rest Home for the care and compassion shown to Joan and her family.
Donations may be given to the Alzheimer Society of N.S. or The Auxiliary of the IWK Health Centre, Halifax.
