Obituary of JoAnne Marie Coolen
Joanne Marie Coolen, 77, of Ship Harbour passed away peacefully at home on December 27, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers.
Born in Ship Harbour, she was the only child of the late Herman and Melba (Russell) Monk. Joanne was a lifelong resident of Ship Harbour but after graduating from high school she spent time in Truro while attending Normal College where she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher.
Through the Halifax Regional School Board she taught at Jeddore Lakeville School before moving on to Robert Jamieson School in Oyster Pond where she taught for 35 years, retiring as Vice- principal.
In 1966 she married Bill, the love of her life, celebrating 58 years of marriage in July of 2024.
Joanne’s many interests included volunteering, gardening and baking as well as sewing. She was an accomplished seamstress, a skill she learned from her mother, Melba. She managed her own ladies clothing store as well as selling Avon products for a number of years.
Joanne was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Oyster Pond Volunteer Fire Department for over 35 years. She also served on the Board of Directors for The Birches in Musquodoboit Harbour, for which she received a Provincial Commendation honouring her service. The Ship Harbour Community Hall received her help with many fundraisers over the years. She was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in East Ship Harbour.
Joanne loved Mustang convertibles, Elvis, Hummingbirds, the colour pink, shopping, and all animals, as well as long walks along the Ship Harbour River and trips to Ottawa and California to visit her Aunts Maude and Vi. During summer months she enjoyed riding cross country on the back of Bill’s motorcycle and boating with family and friends on Ship Harbour and Lake Charlotte.
Joanne will be remembered as a loving and kind hearted person by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Bill of Ship Harbour, son Shawn (Kelly) and grand daughter Taylor, Earltown, her Uncle Donnie, sisters in law Margie and Diane as well as many cousins and good friends. She will be greatly missed by her little dog, Max, who was her constant companion.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home and a celebration of life will take place at a later date, when details will be made available. The family would especially like to thank Pippa and all who helped in any way with Joanne’s care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to the Twin Oaks Hospital or The Birches in Musquodoboit Harbour or to a charity of your choice should you wish to do so.
I Am at Peace
There was a time when I was free
to live my life in harmony.
Before the illness which blighted me
swept faces and places from my mind,
people I loved from my memory.
Remember me as I used to be.
Think of me; remember my smile,
The love we shared; linger awhile.
I am at peace now, I am me.
At rest for all eternity.
- Jenifer Alderton
