Such a huge void has been left in our lives and hearts, how to accept that you are no longer present in the physical world to offer your warm unconditional love, sound advice and quirky commentary that I so apreciared and enjoyed. We didn't see you nearly enough in the last few years but are eternally grateful for the precious moments we did share and the constant contact you kept across the miles. I absolutely adored you and admired your no nonsense approach to life. You assisted in instilling in me those core values and principles I try to live by. Thank you for always loving me and accepting me unconditionally, you really had a special place in my heart and in my life as a mentor and confident. I will miss you endlessly. Xxx
PS I will attempt to get mom to leave a message but from my side I can say that you leaving this world so suddenly really came as a shock to all of us. You were so very special to mom and I know you are deep in her heart and thoughts and will be sorely missed
Debbie Rijns
Dearest Joan, I will cherish our friendship and memories we made. I will miss you so. Heartfelt condolences to your family.
Jennifer Crozier
Deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my dear Auntie Joan, who will be greatly missed. I am blessed to have had you in my life.
My deepest condolences to Uncle Stuart, Bridget, and the rest of the family. May she rest in eternal peace.
Jack and Joan Mooney
Joan's untimely death is a huge loss to our community here at Blainroe Cottages; she will be sorely missed. Sincere sympathy to Stuart and family. May she rest in peace.
Grainne Reynolds
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Joan. She was simply a beautiful lady inside and out x. Her song has ended but her melody lingers on.
Colm and Mary O'Kelly
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Joan's sudden passing. Our sincerest condolances to Stuart and family. She was ever a kind, friendly and thoughtful person. She will be sorely missed by all. May she rest in peace. Colm and Mary
Kieran & Margaret Brown
So sorry to hear the news of Joan's passing. We had many conversations when we visited Blainroe, such a lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart, family and friends at this sad time. May Joan rest in peace.
Sinead McConnell
So saddened and shocked to hear of Joan’s untimely passing. Joan was a lady and it was a pleasure to have worked with her. Deepest sympathy to all the family. May Joan Rest in Peace.
Anne Cahill
So sad to hear of the death of Joan. She was such a lovely person, I enjoyed her company so much on train from Wicklow to Dublin. Rest in peace Joan.
Grace Sinnott
Joan, you will be sorely missed in all facets of your life. A great friend over the past 13 years. Teller of amazing stories of your childhood in South Africa which kept us amused during lunch breaks. And during this pandemic - at the end of the phone for a chat and catch - up. Sincere condolences to Stuart and all your family. Grace
Harry and Mary Copeland
Forever in our thoughts... RIP
Cornelia, Marion and Families
We are deeply saddened by the news of Joans passing so soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are greatful having had the good time together in Salzburg with joy and it will stay allways in our fond rememberence.
May our condolences bring you comfort, and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss.
Penny
My beautiful sister Joan...what can i say - it's been days now that i walk around with a feeling of such sadness i can't even put in words....How do we ever come to terms with you just being gone - You have always been with me even when distance separated us - only a phone call away - calmed my fears, consoled my tears, listened to my rants and offered advice...but most of all just loved me -your baby sister. I can't comprehend not ever hearing your voice or seeing your face again in this life - i wonder will this empty feeling ever subside
Katherine Hicks and family
Dear Aunty Joan
It was with great saddness and shock to hear of your untimely passing. You will be sorely missed by us all.
I have wonderful childhood memories of time with you and family in sunny South Africa. Even though seperated by seas and continents, we were able to continue to share in each others lives...I will miss that.
I am certain in my heart that you are now at peace and will have eternal sunshine.
Uncle Stuart and Bridget and all family my sincerest condolences.
Rest in Peace Aunty Joan
Jennifer Crozier
The news of your sudden passing was and is still hard to process. You will be missed more than words can ever express.
I am so lucky to have had the honour of being able to call you my Auntie, for that is what you were my entire life. You opened your home and heart to our family and made us part of yours. You have added beautiful memories that will never disappear.
You will live forever in so many peoples hearts and memories.
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Uncle Stuart, Bridget, and to all the immediate and extended family members in the West, MacKay, and Bender families.
May you Rest in Eternal Peace.
Cara
We miss Joan so much. She was such a warm, loving soul. From the moment she entered our family, she treated us like we'd always been part of it. I'm grateful I got to spend such quality time with her in Ireland, as well as seeing her in Toronto and England. We're all devastated by this loss and will miss her warmth and love.
Karen
Dearest Aunty Joan
" Your wings were ready but our hearts were not "
You left us all so suddenly it is hard to accept or understand. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for always always being there for me , for all of us . Thank you for your kindness , for giving so unselfishly , for listening always with a big open heart and mind. You were a rare , unprejudiced , humble and beautiful soul with a heart of solid gold. You spead so much love in one life time and you are so loved.
Aunty Joan , I will miss you , I will really miss you . Rest in peace.
" How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard " Winnie the Pooh
Melinda Finlay
Dear Joan,
I will miss your words of wisdom on our many train journies. Rest peacefully.
Much love.
Melinda
Lee-Anne
Aunty Joan Thank you for all the happy memories . You were always a pillar of strength, a shoulder to lean on and you always had wise loving words . I will miss you so very very much . God truly has gained an angel .
You will be loved and remembered always
Remember me in your heart
Your thoughts and your memories
Of the times we loved The times we cried
The times we laughed
and the times we shared
For if you always think of me ,
I will never be gone
Remember the love that once
we shared
For this is a journey we all must take
and each must go alone
It's all part of the master plan
On the road to take us home
Miss me , but let me go
Penny
Where do i even start...walking around with a gaping hole in my heart since you are just gone Joan....I along with everyone who knew and loved you can't even begin to contemplate life without you physically in it
Maureen
As long as hearts remember. Aslong as hearts still care We ne er part with those we love They're with us everywhere So may your precious memories of Joan you hold so dear Bring peace + comfort to you now And keep your loved one near. Joan was the most precious + wonderful sister, we could ever wish for. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for love that filled our lives with special + favorite memories that will never be forgotten. Love that you gave so generously. Love that will always be such an important part of our lives. You touched us all + everyone you met along the way in such a way that u will always be so special as u were + always will be for the rest of our lives. We/I will always love u Joan. TILL we meet again sister dearest.
Megan Bender
To my Dearest Aunty Joan
"There are no words" sounds like such a cliche but today there really aren't. Your sudden departure from this earthly life leaves a gaping wound in so many lives. In the sad current reality, many of us who love you so much have not seen you for far too long, separated by thousands of miles, a few oceans, and a ridiculous pandemic. You are the most gentle soul, kind, caring and generous to a fault. Just like your mother. Your wonderful sense of humour and your hearty laugh ring such sweet memories in my ears. To Uncle Stuart and Bridget, Sandy, Sabine and Ali-Fae, we hold you close in this most tragic time. To all Aunty Joan's darling sisters and to my Dad and Des, you may have lost a sibling but you still have each other and heaven has Aunty Joan now. God be with you all during this sad time. Gone too soon.
Samara Stern
My heart hurts for the West/ Mackay/ Bender family ❤️. Joan was such a special person. She had a warmth and kindness that was different, the likes of which I've only experienced with you Bridget. When we stayed with her in Ireland in 2014, Josh and I immediately felt so at home and loved that it was really hard to leave. In fact on our last day we originally planned to go to Cork but wanted to hang out with her instead. I am forever grateful that you all were able to come in for our wedding. That time will be in my heart forever. We love you all so much.
Butch
OUR DEAR JOAN 18 FEB. 2021
Weak words; miserable exhausted words Patch over the gaping hole, the earthquake, The waves of grief that batter this abyss, And cry with deafening longing for Joan.
My dear sister, whose kind face, whose ever smile Cast gentle, sturdy anchors of love for all Across our far flung shores, over the divide. Whose biggest, tenderest heart and embrace Knew not limits and bounds of giving and warmth To strangers, to friends, and we few who remain.
Your vibrant resolve, and steady hand lifted us With unfaltering, unflinching kindness. Joan, who steadied me in a floundering youth, Who was always present with hope and help To set so many on their different roads With strength and calm, you got things done. Now our paths here can no longer meet, Our anchors are aweigh, these cruel winds sweep us, And I am adrift, broken and beaten.
If only I could walk beside you again, One final time, to hold you hand, to feel Your hugs and reminisce fondly of old times, To hear you, and listen to your wisdom, I would cry to you of my deep gratitude. If life was fair and decent, and tears would work, Then wash away this misty misery, The thick, clogged sadness that hangs with your loss.
May peace and love be by your side over there, My dear, dear sister. May you abiding love Lead forever to lap all our distant shores And calm my crumbled heart, and soften Our bitter tears with your sweet memory.
My dear aunty Joan,
Such a huge void has been left in our lives and hearts, how to accept that you are no longer present in the physical world to offer your warm unconditional love, sound advice and quirky commentary that I so apreciared and enjoyed. We didn't see you nearly enough in the last few years but are eternally grateful for the precious moments we did share and the constant contact you kept across the miles. I absolutely adored you and admired your no nonsense approach to life. You assisted in instilling in me those core values and principles I try to live by. Thank you for always loving me and accepting me unconditionally, you really had a special place in my heart and in my life as a mentor and confident. I will miss you endlessly. Xxx
PS I will attempt to get mom to leave a message but from my side I can say that you leaving this world so suddenly really came as a shock to all of us. You were so very special to mom and I know you are deep in her heart and thoughts and will be sorely missed
Dearest Joan, I will cherish our friendship and memories we made. I will miss you so. Heartfelt condolences to your family.
Deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my dear Auntie Joan, who will be greatly missed. I am blessed to have had you in my life.
My deepest condolences to Uncle Stuart, Bridget, and the rest of the family.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Joan's untimely death is a huge loss to our community here at Blainroe Cottages; she will be sorely missed. Sincere sympathy to Stuart and family. May she rest in peace.
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Joan. She was simply a beautiful lady inside and out x. Her song has ended but her melody lingers on.
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Joan's sudden passing. Our sincerest condolances to Stuart and family. She was ever a kind, friendly and thoughtful person. She will be sorely missed by all.
May she rest in peace.
Colm and Mary
So sorry to hear the news of Joan's passing. We had many conversations when we visited Blainroe, such a lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart, family and friends at this sad time. May Joan rest in peace.
So saddened and shocked to hear of Joan’s untimely passing. Joan was a lady and it was a pleasure to have worked with her. Deepest sympathy to all the family. May Joan Rest in Peace.
So sad to hear of the death of Joan. She was such a lovely person, I enjoyed her company so much on train from Wicklow to Dublin. Rest in peace Joan.
Joan, you will be sorely missed in all facets of your life. A great friend over the past 13 years. Teller of amazing stories of your childhood in South Africa which kept us amused during lunch breaks. And during this pandemic - at the end of the phone for a chat and catch - up. Sincere condolences to Stuart and all your family. Grace
Forever in our thoughts... RIP
We are deeply saddened by the news of Joans passing so soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are greatful having had the good time together in Salzburg with joy and it will stay allways in our fond rememberence.
May our condolences bring you comfort, and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss.
My beautiful sister Joan...what can i say - it's been days now that i walk around with a feeling of such sadness i can't even put in words....How do we ever come to terms with you just being gone - You have always been with me even when distance separated us - only a phone call away - calmed my fears, consoled my tears, listened to my rants and offered advice...but most of all just loved me -your baby sister.
I can't comprehend not ever hearing your voice or seeing your face again in this life - i wonder will this empty feeling ever subside
Dear Aunty Joan
It was with great saddness and shock to hear of your untimely passing. You will be sorely missed by us all.
I have wonderful childhood memories of time with you and family in sunny South Africa. Even though seperated by seas and continents, we were able to continue to share in each others lives...I will miss that.
I am certain in my heart that you are now at peace and will have eternal sunshine.
Uncle Stuart and Bridget and all family my sincerest condolences.
Rest in Peace Aunty Joan
The news of your sudden passing was and is still hard to process. You will be missed more than words can ever express.
I am so lucky to have had the honour of being able to call you my Auntie, for that is what you were my entire life. You opened your home and heart to our family and made us part of yours. You have added beautiful memories that will never disappear.
You will live forever in so many peoples hearts and memories.
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Uncle Stuart, Bridget, and to all the immediate and extended family members in the West, MacKay, and Bender families.
May you Rest in Eternal Peace.
We miss Joan so much. She was such a warm, loving soul. From the moment she entered our family, she treated us like we'd always been part of it. I'm grateful I got to spend such quality time with her in Ireland, as well as seeing her in Toronto and England. We're all devastated by this loss and will miss her warmth and love.
Dearest Aunty Joan
" Your wings were ready but our hearts were not "
You left us all so suddenly it is hard to accept or understand. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for always always being there for me , for all of us . Thank you for your kindness , for giving so unselfishly , for listening always with a big open heart and mind. You were a rare , unprejudiced , humble and beautiful soul with a heart of solid gold. You spead so much love in one life time and you are so loved.
Aunty Joan , I will miss you , I will really miss you . Rest in peace.
" How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard " Winnie the Pooh
Dear Joan,
I will miss your words of wisdom on our many train journies. Rest peacefully.
Much love.
Melinda
Aunty Joan Thank you for all the happy memories . You were always a pillar of strength, a shoulder to lean on and you always had wise loving words .
I will miss you so very very much . God truly has gained an angel .
You will be loved and remembered always
Remember me in your heart
Your thoughts and your memories
Of the times we loved
The times we cried
The times we laughed
and the times we shared
For if you always think of me ,
I will never be gone
Remember the love that once
we shared
For this is a journey we all must take
and each must go alone
It's all part of the master plan
On the road to take us home
Miss me , but let me go
Where do i even start...walking around with a gaping hole in my heart since you are just gone Joan....I along with everyone who knew and loved you can't even begin to contemplate life without you physically in it
As long as hearts remember.
Aslong as hearts still care
We ne er part with those we love
They're with us everywhere
So may your precious memories of Joan you hold so dear
Bring peace + comfort to you now
And keep your loved one near.
Joan was the most precious + wonderful sister, we could ever wish for. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for love that filled our lives with special + favorite memories that will never be forgotten. Love that you gave so generously. Love that will always be such an important part of our lives. You touched us all + everyone you met along the way in such a way that u will always be so special as u were + always will be for the rest of our lives.
We/I will always love u Joan. TILL we meet again sister dearest.
To my Dearest Aunty Joan
"There are no words" sounds like such a cliche but today there really aren't. Your sudden departure from this earthly life leaves a gaping wound in so many lives. In the sad current reality, many of us who love you so much have not seen you for far too long, separated by thousands of miles, a few oceans, and a ridiculous pandemic.
You are the most gentle soul, kind, caring and generous to a fault. Just like your mother. Your wonderful sense of humour and your hearty laugh ring such sweet memories in my ears.
To Uncle Stuart and Bridget, Sandy, Sabine and Ali-Fae, we hold you close in this most tragic time. To all Aunty Joan's darling sisters and to my Dad and Des, you may have lost a sibling but you still have each other and heaven has Aunty Joan now.
God be with you all during this sad time.
Gone too soon.
My heart hurts for the West/ Mackay/ Bender family ❤️. Joan was such a special person. She had a warmth and kindness that was different, the likes of which I've only experienced with you Bridget. When we stayed with her in Ireland in 2014, Josh and I immediately felt so at home and loved that it was really hard to leave. In fact on our last day we originally planned to go to Cork but wanted to hang out with her instead. I am forever grateful that you all were able to come in for our wedding. That time will be in my heart forever. We love you all so much.
OUR DEAR JOAN 18 FEB. 2021
Weak words; miserable exhausted words
Patch over the gaping hole, the earthquake,
The waves of grief that batter this abyss,
And cry with deafening longing for Joan.
My dear sister, whose kind face, whose ever smile
Cast gentle, sturdy anchors of love for all
Across our far flung shores, over the divide.
Whose biggest, tenderest heart and embrace
Knew not limits and bounds of giving and warmth
To strangers, to friends, and we few who remain.
Your vibrant resolve, and steady hand lifted us
With unfaltering, unflinching kindness.
Joan, who steadied me in a floundering youth,
Who was always present with hope and help
To set so many on their different roads
With strength and calm, you got things done.
Now our paths here can no longer meet,
Our anchors are aweigh, these cruel winds sweep us,
And I am adrift, broken and beaten.
If only I could walk beside you again,
One final time, to hold you hand, to feel
Your hugs and reminisce fondly of old times,
To hear you, and listen to your wisdom,
I would cry to you of my deep gratitude.
If life was fair and decent, and tears would work,
Then wash away this misty misery,
The thick, clogged sadness that hangs with your loss.
May peace and love be by your side over there,
My dear, dear sister. May you abiding love
Lead forever to lap all our distant shores
And calm my crumbled heart, and soften
Our bitter tears with your sweet memory.
We love you
Butch