CHANCE HARBOUR – The Rev. Joanne Marlene Vines, 58, of Chance Harbour, passed away peacefully January 22, 2013, in the palliative care unit of the Aberdeen Hospital after a long courageous battle against cancer.
Born in Pictou, she was a daughter of the late William and Margaret (Haley) Vines.
Joanne graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College 1978 and taught grade primary for a single year before beginning a career of learning and serving in the Presbyterian Church. In 1983 Joanne graduated from Ewart College and earned a B.A. in religious studies from the University of Toronto and then entered the Order of Deaconesses. She served as Presbytery worker in the Presbytery of Cape Breton from 1983-1987. She then served in a similar position with the Presbytery of Pictou from 1987-1993. Joanne graduated with a M.Div. from Knox College in 1995 and served as Minister for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fenelon Falls and Knox Presbyterian Church, Glenarm, Ontario for a number of years before returning home to serve as Minister of Little Harbour Presbyterian Church and Bethel Presbyterian Church, Pictou Landing. During her career Joanne was actively involved with many youth groups as a coach, leader, camp director/counsellor, religious teacher and was recognized by many children as the Elf in the beautiful green costume or the colourful clown with the red nose. Joanne also served as a volunteer with various adult organizations. Joanne’s greatest love was spending time with her family, both immediate and extended, as well as researching her family history.
Joanne will be sadly missed by her son, Christopher Vines; her brothers and sisters: John (Linda) Vines, Dartmouth; Catherine (Robert) Airey, Riverview, NB; Barbara (Robert) Davis, Westville; Stephen Vines (Amber), Westville; and her loving nephews and nieces.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow with visitation Friday, Jan. 25, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Joanne’s funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday Jan. 26 from Little Harbour Presbyterian Church.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made to either of the churches Joanne served: Little Harbour Presbyterian or Bethel Presbyterian Church, Pictou Landing; the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca