Obituary of Joan Beverly Stewart

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Beverly Stewart. Joan passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on May 9, 2025.

Joan was born on December 27, 1953 to the late Roy and Helen (MacDonald) Stewart of Lochaber. She was the youngest child born to Helen and cherished her upbringing on the family farm. Joan had fond memories of time spent with close relatives in Aspen, Ohio, and Purlbrook, feeling blessed to have an extended family that felt more like brother and sisters than cousins.

After many years in the financial business, Joan transitioned to working in the Emergency Department at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital. There, she formed lasting friendships that continued well beyond her retirement. Joan took great pride in her work, especially in a department that ultimately saved her life as she battled her own illness.

Joan's closest friends would tell you that she loved to travel and seek adventure. Whether it was trips abroad with friends or simple drives to Mabou or Guysborough for dinner, Joan was happiest on the road, engaged in great conversations. Joan was also a giver. A giver to family and her community with many hours spent helping with many activities in Lochaber, and opened her door and her heart to anyone in the community who needed help. 

Joan is survived by her sons Wayne (Jennifer) and Mark (Chantel), and her grandchildren Reaghan, Rowen, Duncan, and Luke. She is also survived by her half-brothers Dennis (Cindy) and Darryl, as well as her brother-in-law Lloyd Bethune; nephew Brent (Susan) and grandniece Lilly. Joan was predeceased by her sister Marguerite Bethune and brother Rev. Doug Stewart. She leaves behind many cousins and close friends who held a special place in her heart.

Joan bravely battled a rare lung disease that eventually slowed her travels and finally took her life. In her commitment to helping others, Joan donated her remains to Dalhousie University for research and teaching in the Health and Human Sciences Department. Her hope was that her donation would contribute to saving lives in the future.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11am Friday, May 16, 2025 in St. James United Church,197 Main Street, Antigonish with Rev. Peter Smith presiding. Burial will be held at a later date.

Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of St Martha’s Regional Hospital or St James United Church.

A special thank you to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s along with many other departments at St. Martha’s for the care that was provided to Joan during her battle. Another special thank you to the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) team a the QEII Center in Halifax.

Joan will be deeply missed by all who knew her,

but her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in our hearts forever.