Tough (Jennex), Joan Catherine – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Catherine Tough, age 83 (Mom, Nanny Joan). She passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in the QEII Halifax Infirmary Site.
Born on December 15th, 1937 at Oyster Pond, Halifax Co., she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Arnold) Jennex and the loving wife of her devoted husband William Tough.
Joan started a career as a school teacher in Musquodoboit. After completing one year, she moved to Sambro and taught school there. During this time caught the eye of a young man from West Pennant and shortly after they were married. Joan and William enjoyed a long marriage, celebrating their 64th anniversary together last Tuesday. Over the years, her home in West Pennant was the meeting place for many family gatherings and celebrations. She enjoyed having all her family and friends together. She had a way of turning simple celebrations into family reunions making for many happy and fond memories. She especially loved her time at the “camp” at Ragged Lake. The fires there in the wood stove were legendary on cold or damp days. When the summer months came she and William would be seen on the lake early in the morning trolling with wet flies. If one wanted to be guaranteed a trout, Joan’s rod was the one to borrow. Joan was looking forward to getting up to the camp again this summer. She also loved quilting, knitting and crocheting. For many years she donated a quilt specially made for the local church fair. In the past few years she became known for her baby crib quilts. Without a doubt Mom’s greatest joy was the love she had for her family, especially the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joan leaves behind her husband, William Tough; daughters, Cathy (Douglas) Robertson, Judy (Bill) Spears, Mandy (Donny) Hart, Elaine (Derek Delamere) and Sharon (Allie) Hart; grandchildren, Derek (Caroline) Robertson, Alex Robertson, Tracy (Mark) Blanchard, Melissa Spears (Kevin), Mark Spears (Meaghan), Greg Spears, Kady (Douglas) Myers, Brandon Hart (Maria), Abby (Justin) MacGillivray, Maggie (Jacob) LeBlanc, Julia Hart (Ryan); great grandchildren, Kate, Ava, Connell, Sebastian, Rachel, Theo, Casey, Max, Evie, and Jack; sisters, Helen Gray, Donna (Sherman) Marryatt, Sandra Tough; and brother, John (Marlene) Jennex.
She was predeceased by her parents; grandson, David Hart; great-granddaughter, Millie Robertson; sisters, Una, Francis, Dorothy, Amy, Avis; and brother, Gerald.
A private family burial service will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Ketch Harbour and a celebration of Mom’s life will be scheduled at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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