Born on November 3, 1940, in Botwood, Newfoundland, Joan was the daughter of Gordon and Violet Barnes. After losing her father as a baby, her mother, Violet, married Raymond Hillier, who helped raise Joan in Twillingate. Her Newfoundland roots remained a very special part of who she was throughout her life, and she always cherished her trips back to Twillingate.
Before meeting Lincoln, Joan was married to Dominic, with whom she welcomed her children Nancy, Tony and Katherine. Joan later shared 40 wonderful years with her beloved husband, Lincoln McCormack. Together, they built a life filled with family, love and countless memories.
Joan Yvonne McCormack is lovingly remembered by her children Nancy Hillier, Tony Giovannetti (Sandra Giovannetti), Katherine Giovannetti, and Tasia Giovannetti (Daniel Giovannetti). She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Taylor, Dominic, Angelina, Isabella, Octavia, Emsley, Raelynn, Denver, and Nora. She was predeceased by her husband, Lincoln McCormack, and her brother, Gordon (Junior) Barnes.
Joan lived with Parkinson’s disease for nearly 20 years, facing the many challenges that came with it with incredible strength and determination. She held on through years of illness and never gave up easily. No matter what sickness or challenge came her way, Joan fought through it. She was, without a doubt, one of the strongest women her family had ever known.
Joan dedicated many years to working at the Board of Education before spending her retirement years raising Tasia. She found great joy in shopping, especially at Sears, and was a devoted fan of soap operas, particularly The Young and the Restless, which she watched religiously. She loved music, and in her later years especially enjoyed listening to Johnny Reid. Joan was funny, quick-witted, and known for her sarcastic sense of humour. She had a special love for animals, especially cats, and always looked forward to her trips back home to Newfoundland.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, her long phone calls, her sense of humour, her love of family, and for simply being Joan. She was someone who was always there when her family needed her, and her presence brought comfort and familiarity to those who loved her.
Family traditions, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, will never be quite the same without Joan. She had a special way of bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy a traditional Newfoundland Jiggs’ dinner, filling the home with family, laughter, food, and memories that will be treasured forever.
Joan’s family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Centennial Place in Millbrook for the kindness, compassion, patience, and care they showed Joan over the last couple of years.
Joan’s strength, humour, love, and unmistakable spirit will live on in everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she is no longer with us, she will forever remain a part of the family she loved so deeply.
A Celebration of Life honouring Joan will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Rebekah Lodge in Orono. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we remember Joan and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
