It is with heavy hearts that the Aikins family announces the passing of its matriarch, Joan Murray MacNeill Aikins on Saturday, December 28, 2019 just two days after her 89th birthday at her home in Serenity Residence in Barrie. Our Mom, Nanny and GiGi fought a difficult battle these past few months and is now resting in peace.
Joan was born and raised in Montreal to the late Phyliss Carlyle Jamieson (born in Montreal) and the late Fred Murray MacNeill (born in St. John, NB). She is survived by her sister Shirley Phelan.
While in Montreal, Joan met and fell in love with a dapper Air Force man, Joseph Anthony Aikins who would go on to be a family physician for many years. Together they raised 11 children (two with special needs) in Barrie. Dr. Joe passed away 16 years ago and in spite of her fears Joan went on to live an active life. She loved bridge, tennis, politics, the news, her faith and volunteer work. Joan was known for her wicked sense of humour and generosity towards anyone in need and she adored her 26 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Joan had to bury two of her children, Cathy and Paul this past year which broke her heart.
She is survived by nine of her children: Judy & Glenn Krelove, Anne Marie, John & Cynthia (Hatt), Joe & Andrea (Ford), Tom & Jan (DiGorgio), Patti & Eric Mesdage, Peter & Linda (Hill), Jenny, and Mike & Marny (Elliot). Paul's partner, Fred Bergman is also mourning her passing.
The Aikins Family will celebrate Joan's life at a Mass at St. Mary's Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the church auditorium. The Family would like to send a special thank you to Joan's caregivers over the past year or two: Laura, and team from Caring for Seniors in Barrie, Donna and staff at Serenity Retirement Residence in Barrie, Deborah's team from Homecare Assistance, as well as the St. Elizabeth Nurses and all the staff at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joan Aikins are welcome to e# Community Services, 100 Pretty River Pkwy., Collingwood L9Y 4X2 (Jenny's support team for 25+ years) or St. Mary's Church. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com