Obituary of Joan Frances Kolchetski

It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Joan Frances Kolchetski nee: King, age 79 years, announce her passing at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, Fort McMurray, Alberta, on September 25, 2024. Mom passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved, after a debilitating disease of dementia.

Born and raised in Whitney Pier, she was the daughter of the late Jeremiah Francis King (St. John’s, NFLD) and Ellen Nellie (Sugg) King (Twillingate, NFLD).

She was predeceased by her loving partner, Gerald (Bob) Hutt; brothers: Jerry, Levi, George, John and Bill; as well as her sisters: Vivian and Mary.

Joan is survived by her son, Robbie (Kim); daughter, Lisa; grandchildren: Tyler, Brendan (Nicole), Evan, Brett, Brody and Brooklyn; great-grandchildren: Braxton and Bentley; loving sisters: Annie Pottie, Helen Wadden, Esther Keough (Frank “Fats”), Carolyn Costigan (Robert Pettipas); and special sister-in-law, Sally Kolchetski, as well as many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

Joan enjoyed skating, dancing, listening to the “oldies” and most importantly (being from such a large family) she loved attending gatherings or celebrations of any kind, where everyone she loved was under one roof sharing stories together.

Her beautiful, kind nature shone through as she spent her days as a caregiver to many families throughout her lifetime and, of most recent, to two very special families she spoke so highly about. These children adored & loved “Joanie” and formed a grandchild/grandmother type bond with her. There will always be a special place in her heart for Sophie (Michelle & John) and Logan (Jennifer & Chad).

Joan was a beautiful lady and was complimented daily on her “perfect complexion”. If we only knew the secret to looking that young! She had a knack for decorating, and you could see this as you entered her home, both on a regular basis or for any special occasion. During the special occasions, it was here you could really see the happiness and enjoyment decorating truly brought her.

Joan had an abundant amount of love for cats. She rescued and adopted “Buddy”, who brought her so much joy, all while providing him a loving home, until his passing. She continued her love for cats by always having a special place on her doorstep, which brought the cats comfort & warmth, ensuring their bellies were full.

We are sending out an immense amount of love and gratitude to her sister, Esther and brother-in-law, “Fats”. They always made sure mom was taken anywhere she needed to go. They did so, almost daily, and without complaint. They have huge hearts, and are both simply selfless, kind, generous individuals who anyone would be honoured to have in their life. Words of thank you is truly not enough for the care and peace-of-mind that they provided to our mom.

We would also like to take this time to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to other family members who reached out to Mom when she needed help.  It meant the world to her knowing she had so many family members willing to go the extra mile for her, including (but not limited to) her grand-niece, Shelby Delaney.  Shelby was there to take care of mom’s personal needs. Mom looked forward to seeing Shelby, listening to the “oldies”, and allowing Shelby to “beautify” mom.

Joan was a cancer survivor and felt much comfort in having her best friend & sister, Helen, by her side for every treatment. She was mom’s rock and comforted mom when she needed it and sat there quietly when mom just needed to be with her thoughts.  They spoke 3-4 times daily and we know mom will miss but cherish these daily talks forever.  

We would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the doctors and nurses in the Palliative Care Unit.  Their compassion and care made mom’s days there more bearable and comfortable.  

To honor mom’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Robert Anderson Funeral Services Inc., Fort McMurray, Alberta. Her ashes will be placed with “her” mom at the Eastmount Cemetery, Sydney, NS, at a later date, to be determined.

We invite you to please celebrate Joan’s memory privately and in your own way, or simply do a kind deed in memory of her. We know that she will be with us all in spirit and thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Feral and Abandoned Cat Society.

 

 

There are no goodbyes for us.

Wherever we are, we take you with us in our hearts, always and forever.