Obituary of Joan Borden Harrison

Joan Borden Harrison (née Smith), passed away in Halifax on August 4, 2018, surrounded by her family.  Born on February 10, 1924 in Montreal and raised in Annapolis Royal, NS, Joan was the daughter of the late Roy Smith and Gladys (née Borden). Her grandfather was Dr. B.C. Borden, a long-time President of Mount Allison University.  Pre-deceased by her husband, Robert Beverley (Bev) Harrison and her companion, Henry (Harry) Ainsworth and her sisters Alice, Barbara and Elaine, Joan is survived by her two children, Lawrence (Susan) of Ocala, Florida, and Martha (Marc Boivin) of Montreal, and her grandchildren, Ross and Alex.  She is deeply missed by Carollyn Crewe, Ian Ainsworth and her many nieces, nephews and friends. Joan lived a full and remarkable life.  As a 24-year-old newlywed, she left Annapolis Royal for Africa to live in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) where Bev worked as a mining engineer.  Her letters to her parents (1948 – 1951) attest to her resourcefulness, tenacity and generous nature.  In 1963, with two young children, Joan and Bev moved to County Limerick, Ireland, where she adapted, flourished and grew to love Ireland and its people.  After Bev passed away in Ireland in 1978, Joan embarked on a new adventure, working for a season in the Cringletie House Hotel in Peebles, Scotland. In 1980, she returned to Nova Scotia to settle in her beloved home town, Annapolis Royal, where she was recognised for her dedication to community, cultural and historical causes, including the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, the Historical Association of Annapolis Royal, King’s Theatre, UNICEF and St. George & St. Andrew United Church. Always available for others, Joan’s daily life was focused on helping in any way she could.  Wherever she lived, Joan fostered lifelong friendships, often around her dining table, where she was renowned for her culinary expertise and talent.  Those who knew her will remember the twinkle in her eyes, her keen wit, her grace and her generosity.  The family extends utmost appreciation to Ian and Jim Fergusson for their special bond with Joan and also thanks friends and family who visited and sent flowers and best wishes to Joan. A sincere thank you is extended to the attending staff of Melville Heights and the Halifax Infirmary. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal.  Funeral service will be held at St. George & St. Andrew United Church on Saturday August 25 at 2 p.m. followed by interment in the Woodlawn Cemetery and a celebration of Joan’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Annapolis Royal cause of your choice would be appreciated. For more information on Joan’s life visit   https://ghanaodyssey1948.wordpress.com/bio/

Online condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com