Obituary of Joan Folkins

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joan Frances Folkins announce her sudden passing with her family by her side at the Sussex Health Centre on February 26, 2024 at the age of 78.

Born in Sussex, NB on February 18, 1946; she was the daughter of the late Chester and Mary (Sharp) Wilcox.

Many years ago a young Joan Wilcox took the team of horses to the woods, taking lunch to the men, This is where Joan met Austin and the rest is history. July 10, 1965 she would marry the love of her life and together they would work hard side by side and celebrate their love for almost 60 years.

Joan worked hard on the family farm.  She could do anything any man could do in the barn and in the fields. She was determined and never let anyone tell her she couldn’t try.

She never found a craft she didn’t at least want to try. She has done ceramics, toll painting and any new craft going. She enjoyed knitting for her family and was quite accomplished in afghans, socks, hats and mittens for all of the kids.  She enjoyed sewing baby quilts for the new grand children coming soon.  Every Christmas, She would make the grandchildren their own little ornament for their candy bags.  She just wanted each of them to know just how special they were to her. Joan always had words of wisdom from her heart for her children and grandchildren and she was not one to mince words. She was loving and kind but you never had to wonder what she was thinking.

Joan loved watching the birds in the feeders while she sat swinging on her swings. She loved flowers and being outside touching and looking at her flower gardens bloom, while she swings. 

Joan loved to bake cakes for all occasions and would invite every one to come celebrate.  She loved the noise of her family and was always up for a laugh. She will be missed by all those whose lives she has touched.

She will live on in the hearts of her husband, Austin; their children: Jennie Briggs (Mike), Austin Folkins, JR (April), Carolyn McEwen (Andrew), Lois Hall, Cecil Folkins (Thelma) and
Mary-Ann Bustin (Mark); her sisters: Lorna Thompson (Bruce) and Phillis Ross (David); her grandchildren: Matthew Briggs (Jessica), Todd Briggs (Kayla), Zachary Folkins (Rebecca), Mitchell Folkins (Cassie), Shianne Geldart (Chadd), Trista Garnett, Nathan McEwen (Megan), Corey McEwen (Brittany), Emily McMillan (Colby), Joseph Hall (Amy Hall), Sabrina Hall, Johnathon Hall, Mark Folkins (Carolyn), Jake Folkins (Ellen), Maria Bustin (Marc) and Eve Bustin (Jacob); her great grandchildren: Caroline Briggs, Carter Briggs, Austin Briggs, Grayson Briggs, Jayden Briggs, Jade Leaman (Justin), Jake Leaman, Aiden Smith, Maylee McMillan, Keegan Folkins, Kade Folkins, Cameron Folkins, Reid Geldart, Spencer McEwen, Bryceson McEwen, Connor McEwen, Lexi McEwen, Amellia McEwen, Henry Folkins, Anna Folkins, Winifred Folkins, Tennessee Folkins, Juniper Folkins, Parker, Brooklyn and Lyla; her great great grandchild, Koden Almon; as we as several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her brothers: Murray Wilcox, Roy Wilcox and Robert Wilcox and by her grandchildren: Cleo Bustin, Luke Folkins and Brayden McEwen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A Celebration of Joan’s life will be held from the Wesley United Church, Berwick on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11;00am.

Donations in memory of Joan may be made to Wesley United Church Cemetery, Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the organization of the donor’s choice. Personal Condolences to the family and donations may be made through Wallacefuneralhome.com