Joan Gibbs
The family of Joan Gibbs, nee Skinner, of Chester NS, are very sad to announce her passing on Feb. 24, 2017, at her home at Shoreham Village Seniors Home. She was the daughter of Christina and John Skinner, both deceased, of New Waterford in Cape Breton. Joan grew up in Glace Bay and New Waterford and after secondary school obtained her Diploma in Nursing from the Sydney City Hospital. She furthered her studies in Halifax, leading to employment in her chosen career in Public Health Nursing, working in Cape Breton County in the 1960’s. During this period she also met and married her husband William Gibbs and they set up residence on Grove Street in Sydney. After the sudden and untimely death of her husband, Joan made the decision to move to Halifax with her young son, John Charles where they lived in the Clayton Park area until she moved to Chester in Sept. of 2015.
Joan was a very kind and empathetic person who gave of her time freely over the years assisting the elderly and infirm among her friends and acquaintances. She was an enthusiastic defender of the disabled, serving for years on the board of her son’s residence, Bonnie Lea Farm, in Chester. She was a supporter of Special Olympics and a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Joan was a loving Mom and aunt who will be sadly missed by her son, John Charles; her nieces, Joan Thorne and Elaine Manocchio; nephews, Bob Thorne (Patti) and David Thorne (Terryann) and the rest of her family and close friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers of Shoreham Village who allowed Joan to live her final days in comfort and dignity. A special thank you to Dr. Karen Cox. If you wish, donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Bonnie Lea Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held on March 23 at 10:30 at Shoreham Village. A graveside service will take place in Cape Breton at a later date.
