Born in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1935, she emigrated with her parents to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where she married Gerald Keating in October of 1952. Together, they embarked on the building of a family, which ultimately defined both of their lives. Their first son, Larry, was born with Spina Bifida, and lived only 4 days. While this tragic start stayed with her throughout her life, she and Gerry persevered and went on to have an additional five children: Dave (Jeannette), Greg (Gean), Eric (Sandra), Debra, and Ray (Carole). She also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Gerry, infant son Larry, her parents Dan and Gertrude, her brother Danny and her sister Barb.
Throughout the years, whether in Sydney, NS, Moncton, NB, or Chatham, ON, she was a devoted volunteer for a host of different causes, many of which found their roots in her faith in the Roman Catholic Church. She had deep convictions, but was also willing to give of herself and her time in support of them.
She was our matriarch: wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, and she was fierce in her love for all in her sphere. More simply though, she was Mom, Nana or Joan and all of us who had the privilege of sharing time with her will be worse for her absence.
Family to receive friends on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 95 Marlborough St N, Blenheim from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place with a Private Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Joan to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
Visitation
Thursday 22 JANUARY
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
95 Marlborough St N
Blenheim, Ontario, Canada
Funeral Mass
Thursday 22 JANUARY
2:00 pm
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
95 Marlborough St N
Blenheim, Ontario, Canada
