Joan (MacIsaac) Chisholm – 101, Truro passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2023. Born in Lebret, Saskatchewan, she was daughter of the late John A. and Mary Catherine (MacDonald) MacIsaac.
Her father, John, served in World War I alongside Angus L. McDonald and later became an MLA representing the district of Antigonish. Mom grew up in Antigonish and in her youth moved to Halifax for a brief time to attend university to pursue an education and a career. She moved back to Antigonish after a year when her father, whom she adored and spoke of often, died suddenly in 1942. In Antigonish, she helped with the family business and met our dad, Alexander Bernard Chisholm, a number of years later after his return from World War II.
Mom then stepped away from the family business to start a family. Mom soon had three in diapers after the birth of twins (Bern and Cathy) and another boy (Gerard) 18 months later! Two more of us followed in the coming years (Paul and Marie). She was a wonderful mother with a passion for cooking and baking. She was also a great role model, balancing domestic life with a very full social life. She enjoyed curling, golf, bridge, neighourhood parties and crazy shenanigans at Brule Shore in the summer. She also enjoyed traveling to many wonderful places with dad in the winter months.
We are saddened by mom’s passing but know that we did all that we could to make her final days the best they could be. We are comforted by the fact that she lived a long and very happy life with a loving family and an abundance of amazing friends both in Antigonish and Truro, where she spent most of her years. Mom was known for her beauty, style, outgoing nature, love of conversation, sense of adventure and incredible sense of humour. One of her most endearing qualities was the ability to laugh at herself for any little fumble she might make. Full on belly laugh at how "tupie" (stupid) she could be at times. She was an incredibly intelligent lady but her fumbles and foibles could make us all laugh so hard we’d cry. Thanks for that mom.
Mom was the last surviving member of her immediate family including brothers, Allister, Ronnie and sister, Theresa "Tibby". She is survived by her children, Bernie (Karen), Gerard (Heather Bates), Paul and Marie (Rob Levings); grandchildren, Stephen, Sarah, Zoe, Ben; step-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Patrick; great grandchildren, Edith, Paige, Arthur, Quinn and Tilly; several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and siblings, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Bernie (Sr.); daughter, Cathy; daughter-in-law, Della.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:15 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 669 Prince Street, Truro, Father Andrew Rembarczyk officiating. Reception will follow. Interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 125 Robie Street, Truro.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Public messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Joan’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com