WOODS, Joan (nee Parsons)– Joan Woods passed away on March 1, 2011 in Ottawa, following a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Joan was born in St. John’s and attended Bishop Spencer College. When her family moved to Montreal, Joan attended Westmount High School, won scholarships to the Beaux Arts to study Art with Arthur Lismer, the beginning of a life time involvement with art.
She trained as an X-Ray technician at the Montreal General Hospital, then enlisted in the Women’s Division, RCAF, as an X-Ray technician, with postings across Canada.
In 1945, Corporal Joan Parsons married Flt. Lt. John Woods, DFC., the start of a loving, adventurous life that took them to Edmonton, Ottawa, Paris, and St. John’s.
When they settled in Kingston, Ont., Joan became an innovative and talented potter. Her sculptures of “little people” culminated in “A Place Called Home” of her memories of Home - Newfoundland.
Joan was predeceased by her husband, John H. Woods, and her sister, Margaret Hodgson. She is survived by her sons, Devon in Ottawa, and Christopher in Halifax, and her grandchildren, Emily, Xan, and Buster, and her brother, David Parsons at St. John’s, and many friends in Newfoundland.
A memorial and celebration of her life will be held at the Art Gallery in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 10.
Condolences may be sent to Devon Woods at woodsdevon@yahoo.com.