Obituary of Joan M. Carmont

        It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joan Marie Carmont (nee Parker) announce her passing. Joan passed peacefully at home on Monday, May 30 at 76 years old. She was born in St. Stephen, NB on July 13, 1945 to the late Rachel and Durrell Parker. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bill Carmont, her three daughters, Sherry, Angela, and Nicole (Andre Coulombe), as well as seven grandchildren, Alexander, Bruce, Shannon, Matthew, Rachel, Jasmine and Joanna, and two great-granddaughters, Solana and Holly.

       She is also survived by her siblings Les Parker (Claudette), Ken Parker (Paulette), Karen Ferguson (Frank), Madeleine Doughty (Herbie), and sister-in-law Faith Hawkins (Wayne), brother-in-law Don Carmont (Nasha), as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Parker, and infant daughter, Sharon Marie, who was a twin to Sherry.

     Joan and Bill lived in Saint John for almost 30 years before moving back to her home community of Bayside where they enjoyed their retirement overlooking the St. Croix River. They owned and operated Island View Campground in Bayside for 17 years, and Joan also ran Carmont’s Clothing in St. George which many remember for the fashion shows held throughout Charlotte County in the 1980s.

    In spite of being born on Friday the 13^th, Joan had a very lucky and amazing life full of love and fun. She and Bill traveled extensively upon retirement, taking their RV all around North America, as far north as Alaska and as far south as Texas and Arizona. She loved taking long beach walks and hiking with Bill in many of the beautiful places they visited. In the recent past they enjoyed both Mediterranean and Baltic cruises with all their daughters and son-in-law.

     Their grandchildren have so many fun memories of summers at their grandparents’ splashing in the pool, and they will treasure the many Christmas and Easter adventures spent with their grandparents in Florida and Mexico. Joan loved her grandchildren and they loved her immensely in return. She made every occasion special and memorable.

        Joan had a special place in her heart for young people, which led her to leading a youth group for a number of years at Full Gospel by the Sea in St. Andrews where she took many under her wing. She had a strong faith and was a member of St. Croix Church in St. Stephen in recent years. She valued the many friendships she made there, especially that of Peter and Mary Ellen Fitch who have been so supportive and encouraging throughout her illness.

        Joan was the pulse of her family. She organized so many barbeques and clam bakes for extended family and friends over the years, and even a big wedding on her beautiful property overlooking the water. Everyone loved getting an invitation for a fun gathering at Joan’s. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She had a way of making everyone feel special and saw the best in everyone.

       When her children were young the family home was where her children’s friends wanted to come. It was always full of homemade goodies, love and laughter. This didn’t change much as her children grew up. The standing joke was how many times her children were asked, even as adults, if their parents wanted to adopt another child. 

      All those who knew and spent time with Joan were incredibly lucky. Even during her lengthy illness, she always thought of others before herself and found ways to laugh every single day. She truly made the best of each day she had. Her courageousness and grace were truly inspiring, and every day spent with her was a true gift.

     The family wants to issue a special thank you to the Extra-Mural team, especially Cindy, who provided so much support to Joan and her family. Thanks also goes out to Dr. Lister, Dr. Hemmings, and the paramedics who helped on more than one occasion. Everyone was compassionate, kind and very professional.

     Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at the St. Croix Church on 32 Victoria Street in St. Stephen on June 3 from 2:00 -4:00 pm. 

       A celebration of Joan’s life will also take place at the St. Croix Church on June 4th at 2:00pm. The family would appreciate the wearing of masks to prevent Covid infections.

     For those who were unable to attend; the link to view this celebration is directly below.

https://youtu.be/CzpfNS_QU3w

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the following charities that were important to her: the Charlotte County Cancer Society, the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County, the Extra-Mural Program, Covenant House, or World Vision. Online condolences to the family or online donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com

      
 For your ease; Information on these charities are as follows: 

Charlotte County Cancer Society: info@charlottecountycancer.com 506 467-9005

 Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County: http://www.ststephenfoodbank.ca/

 Extra Mural Program St. Stephen Unit 73 Milltown Blvd St. Stephen, NB E3L 2W9

Covenant House: https://www.covenanthouse.org/donation-options/

World Vision: https://www.worldvision.org/

       Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110)