Joan Isabelle (Baxter) Boland
September 23, 1933- December 19, 2023.
“You are my sunshine”
Born on Whistlebrae Farm, Lower Tenth, Blenheim Township, Oxford County, near Ayr, Ontario, Joan Boland passed away in her 90th year in Elora/Fergus, Ontario, Canada at Wellington Terrace. Joan was pre-deceased in 2018 by her dearly beloved husband of sixty-three years, James McAdam Boland, grandparents, David Rodger and Elizabeth Tennyson Rodger, her parents, James Douglas Baxter and Vera Mae Rodger Baxter. Also predeceased by brothers David Baxter and Norman Baxter.
Loving mother to Barbara Boland (Chris McDonell), Lynn Boland Richardson, Cheryl Rowe (Bill), honourary daughter Kathie McKirdy Norris (Mickey) who will miss their “sunshine” more than words can express. Sorrowfully missed by sisters-in-law Shirley Baxter and Heather Baxter, brother-in-law Hugh Boland and Betty Boland, cousins Hugh and Sharon Baxter, lifelong friend and cousin Isabelle Baxter Hill, Lillian Maus, Sue Maus, and Norma Rodger Mordeau.
Adored grandma “B” to Matthew Richardson (Kendra), Heather Nichol (Spence), Becky Turcotte (Marc-André), Suzie Denny (Jordy), Ian McDonell (Cass) and Kara McDonell.
Great grandmother to Jovie, Rosie, Adrienne, William, Nelle, Colton, and Cooper. Cherished friends Bruce and JoyeAnn Reuel and Shirley Ankenman. Remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Joan was devoted to family, caring for her mother and children, friends, church, and her community. Joan’s community outreach and volunteerism through the Hospital Auxiliary, Hope Spring, and Maycourt, and flower arranging, were matched in hours by a plethora of baking for church, social events, and family joy.
Growing up in the countryside near Ayr Ontario, Joan flourished in the warmth of many devoted aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends in a large family connection. She worked for a while after high school in Galt as an administrative assistant. James and Joan were married in 1954 and moved to Waterloo where Joan worked as an administrative assistant at BF Goodrich until the birth of her first child, Barbara, in 1956. After her children were grown, Joan returned to the workforce utilizing her artistic gifts in the China departments of Eaton’s and Household China in Waterloo.
Joan’s artistic endeavors were outstanding. She began china painting in the 1970’s. Her work was in high demand requiring an in-house kiln to keep up. As an accomplished watercolor artist, her beauty is reflected in her art.
Sincere gratitude and thank you to Dr. Stickney for his gentle devotion to our mother's care. We appreciate the staff and volunteers at Wellington Terrace, whose wrap-around compassionate and empathetic caring for our mother was second to none.
Joan’s favorite quote was “Happiness lies within the reach of those who reach beyond themselves.”
Joan’s keen mind and adventurous spirit were the embodiment of sunshine. She lived her life well - a life of example inspiring family and friends alike. All who knew Joan loved her and she will be missed very much.
A funeral service of celebration for the life of Joan Isabelle Baxter Boland will take place January 13, 2024, at 1:30 pm at Parkminster United Church, 275 Erb Street East, Waterloo. Reception to follow.
Donations with gratitude to Wellington Terrace Elora/Fergus for The Art and Music programmes in honour of Joan.
“Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield…” Alfred Lord Tennyson
We will miss our sunshine.
