Obituary of Joan Lochead

Joan Stuart Lochead Nee McDermott 8 Nov 1923 - 24 July 2012 The Arthur J Lochead family lost a very much loved wife, mother and grandmother with the passing of Joan Stuart Lochead (McDermott) at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital at 1:30am, on Tuesday, 24 July 2012. Daughter of Alexander G. McDermott & Ellen M. Fox, born in Carlyle, Ontario, on 8 Nov. 1923, pre-deceased by her younger sister Mary Pavanel (Charlie). The life Joan and her husband Arthur knew for 64 years began when two young Naval Officers met on a blind date, in Victoria, BC. Joan had graduated as a registered nurse from Toronto General Hospital and at the time was a Sub-Lieutenant (NS) in the RCN nurses service. From the first meeting, Joan married Arthur J Lochead on 7 Sept., 1949 and took up residence in Forest. , the marriage was blessed with the arrival of their beautiful daughter Janet E, in 1951, followed by James S in 1952, William A in 1954 and Peter S in 1957. All of the children were special and unique. They brought many days of happiness and joy to the family. Joan was happy to be at home when her children were young. With their growing independence Joan took specialized training in Cardiac and Intensive care. Two fields of medicine she she found challenging and rewarding. Joan gave expression to her talents as a caregiver at the Sarnia General Hospital and at Sarnia St. Joseph's Hospital. Shortly after north Lambton Retirement Rest Home opened, Joan transferred her nursing skills to the people of her local community for 18 years. During this time she developed many lasting friendships with the staff and families she had been providing care for. Joan always enjoyed golfing and curling with her husband and playing bridge with friends. Sitting on the deck or around the fire with family and friends.Making cookies for her grandchildren, going to the lake, swimming laps in her pool. Cheering for the Detroit Red Wings and caring for a long line of beloved pets. Going to the Phoenix Symphony during winter visits to Arizona, volunteering at her local Arizona Hospital gave special delight. Always ready for fun, she loved a good laugh and was ever grateful for life. Joan joined Arthur as worshipping members of the St. James Presbyterian Church, participating in the Evening auxiliary and Ladies Aid. Joan will be deeply missed by her loving husband Arthur, and her wonderful children and families; Janet & Mark, James & Becky and their children Forest & Peyton, William and Annette, and their son, Dustin, Peter and Sandra and their children Shannon, Brendan, & William. Also her nieces and nephew on the Pavanel side Ellen John, Jane, Joanne, and Alex (Deceased) and dearly loved by Joan very special friend Hetty Hoornweg. Visitation will be at the FOREST CHAPEL OF DENNING FUNERAL DIRECTORS on Thursday, 26 July from 7:00pm-9:00pm. We ask friends to join us in the service celebrating Joan's Life at the St. James Presbyterian Church at 2:00pm on Friday, 27 July . Service will be conducted by Rev. Joanne MacOdrum. Interment will be at Beechwood Cemetery, following the service at a later date. In Lieu of Flowers donations in Joan's memory to the St. James Presbyterian Church Elevator Fund or to the Canadian Cancer Society or Charity of Your Choice will be gratefully appreciated.