Obituary of Joan MacKinnon

Joan MacKinnon 

Joan MacKinnon passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 

Joan was born on June 7, 1931 in Curling East, Newfoundland and moved to PEI in 1969.

She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas MacKinnon. Survived by her sister, Elizabeth Howard, Charlottetown; her brother, Thomas O’Brien, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and sister-in-law, Mary Andrews (George), Stratford, PE.

Joan is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews and 34 grand-nieces and grand-nephews (O’Brien, Andrews, Howard, Baird, O’Connell), all of whom were special to Joan and she to them.  She made them part of her life no matter how near or far they lived; mentoring, encouraging and loving each unconditionally. 

Joan had an extra-special bond with Joan Howe, Donna Kitson, Kris Fournier and Debbie Squires who were like family to her.

Joan is also preceded in death by her parents, John and Beatrice (Pollis) O’Brien; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Kevin O’Connell; brothers, John and Dan O’Brien; brother-in-law, Richard Howard; sister-in-law, Patricia O’Brien; parents-in-law, Mary and Joseph MacKinnon and brother-in-law, Vincent MacKinnon.

Joan loved her family, Newfoundland and PEI.  She loved people. No one was a stranger to her.  Whether it was at the Sherwood Motel, which she and Doug owned from 1969-1996, her early work experiences with the CBC and BMO, she enjoyed it all because she was getting to know new people.  She loved music, dancing and above all, laughter. She was a willing volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Probus Group, I.O.D.E., CWL and the LOVE program at Prince St. School.  She had a keen interest in politics and volunteered with the Planning Board of the City of Charlottetown. With all of this, she still found time for her Bridge group and loved a game of Auction 45’s.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre for the excellent care they provided Joan. She made great friends there as she did in every aspect of her life, everywhere she went. 

Joan’s funeral Mass will be Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, 3 Pond St. Charlottetown.

In accordance with Joan’s wishes, there will be no wake.  Instead, Joan wanted a “lively reception” at the Jack Blanchard Hall immediately following her funeral Mass. Please join us.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Redeemer Council.