It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of JoAnn Alice McKay, age 64, of Middleton, who went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2026. She passed away at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, following a long and incredibly courageous battle with COPD—a fight she met with the same strength and grace that defined her entire life.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph Lewis Sisco (Ontario) and the late Mary Elizabeth Ward (Brickton). She was also predeceased by a son, Daniel Baker in infancy.

JoAnn was a woman of immense talent and even greater kindness, someone who possessed the rare gift of finding beauty in every corner of the world. Whether she was tending to her garden or quietly watching the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks she loved to feed, she lived in harmony with nature. While she cherished her family, JoAnn's heart was also deeply tied to her "chosen family," her best friends and neighbours, Heather Sheridan and Sheldon Crawford. Together, they shared a lifetime of laughter, fierce card games, and unforgettable holidays. Some of JoAnn's happiest moments were spent at their cottage, surrounded by the people who made life bright.

When JoAnn could no longer make the trek down to the water, the beach was brought to her. In a beautiful act of love, their granddaughter Presley would bring a bucket of sand to the cottage deck so JoAnn could still feel the earth beneath her feet. It was a perfect reflection of the kindness JoAnn herself gave to the world—a sweet, caring, and selfless woman who spent her life helping others.

JoAnn's legacy is one of simple joys, deep friendships, and a heart that was always open to nature and those she loved. She will be missed, but every blooming flower and singing bird will serve as a reminder of her beautiful soul. JoAnn was a woman of remarkable gifts, though in her humble way, she saw her immense talents simply as "fun pastimes." She carried the creative spark of both her parents, inheriting a soul-deep love for music from her father, Joe. Whether she was behind a drum kit, at the piano, or picking up any guitar placed before her, JoAnn played with a natural ease that she proudly passed down to her son. And when she stepped up to the microphone, her "million-dollar voice" filled the room—moments made even more special when shared in karaoke duets with her daughter.

But for JoAnn, the true masterpiece of her life was her family. Though it meant a bittersweet goodbye to her father, stepmother, and siblings in Ontario, she followed her heart back home to Nova Scotia to raise her children. In that homecoming, she found more than just roots; she rekindled the bond with her daughter, continued to guide her son, and eventually found a "fairytale" love she hadn't been looking for.

A woman of unwavering faith, JoAnn lived by the belief that "God has a plan for all of us." That plan revealed itself in what she called the greatest joy of her final days: raising her grandson, Deacon. Alongside her husband Tim, JoAnn poured her heart into Deacon from the time he was just four months old, raising him as her own with the same kindness and strength she gave to everyone she touched.

JoAnn's life was a testament to the idea that beauty is found in the people we love and the music we make along the way. Her song lives on in the family she cherished and the lives she transformed with her sweet, caring spirit. JoAnn's legacy of love, strength, and song will be carried on by those she cherished most.

Lovingly remembered by husband her rock and best friend of 29 years, Timothy McKay, Margaretsville; daughter, Maria Baker (Derek Wamboldt) of Victoria Vale; son, Bobby Jo Baker of Middleton; grandchildren, Jeremy Baker, Odessa Baker, Katelyn Wamboldt, Mackenzie Selig, Deacon Selig, Olivia Selig, Mia Selig, and Ethan Clahane; great-great-grandchildren, seven precious little ones who brought her joy; brothers, Joseph Junior Doherty, Hamilton, Ontario; and Joey Sisco (Tracy) Hamilton, Ontario; sisters, Carrie Sisco, Hamilton, Ontario; Angelique Sobsachak (Richard), St. Catharines, Ontario; and Jody Sisco Hamilton, Ontario; step-mother, Barbra Sisco, Caledonia Ontario; in-laws Wayne & Shirley McKay, Yarmouth.

JoAnn was a sweet, caring soul who could always be found helping others. She leaves behind a world that is quieter without her voice, but infinitely brighter for having known her.

Memorial service for Jo Ann will take place at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448, with Rev. Deann Carter officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or Autism Nova Scotia, two causes close to the heart of a woman who gave so much to others. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com