Hoogerwerf, Mary "Joan" of South Williamston, NS, passed away peacefully Monday, January 15th, 2024, in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Born in the old Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (Orillia General Hospital), Middleton on March 25th, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Harry Mack and Freda Pearl (Smith) Durling. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

On June 30th, 1962, Joan married a Navy man, Johannes Patrick Hoogerwerf, Port George, and they started their 13 years of married life together. After a few moves, they settled in Torbrook West to take over an old farmhouse with a vision to make it a home and dreams to raise a family. The family of two soon grew to five. Their dreams were coming true until the untimely death of Joan's soulmate, Joe, April 28th, 1975, due to an overseas accident and bad medical choices. Joan's focus turned to her three children trying to make a life without her husband, soulmate, and father to their children. Joan looked after her family very well. She was a dedicated Mum and homemaker while working on their family hobby farm. Her door was always open to family, friends, and those who needed a bed, good food, or a roof over their head. Joan had some amazing friends over the years. Some lasting a short while and some lasting 50+ years. She treasured each one of them. She enjoyed baking, trying new recipes, crocheting, cross stitching, and having a game of cards. She was always up for a day trip to nowhere in particular, do a little fishing when she had her cottage in Black Rock or over to Port George to visit family and friends or just to sit, admire the view, and breathe in the ocean air. From childhood on Joan always had her head stuck in a book. It wasn't until later years when her eyes betrayed her that she had to give it up. Joan had a love for music. Some of her favourites were Charlie Pride, Jim Neighbours, and Celine Dion. She was a hockey, Brownies, and pets Mum. She loved all her pets that she had throughout her whole life. Joan was a strong advocate for her community; she worked on the Torbrook School Board, was school support as well as helping with activities and outings. Joan helped and supported all her children's activities and made a life for her family. In later years, Joan and two of her children moved from Torbrook to leave sad memories behind and start anew in South Williamston. It was there where Joan lived for the next 38 years.

As an adult Joan worked in the food industry at Tilly's Restaurant , Middleton, moved back home to help out after her brother Vaughn's death, Nictaux, she was a cashier at Wynn's Store, Nictaux, she became a full time Mum, ran a hobby farm and was a clerk at Video World, Middleton. Joan also volunteered her time at the Annapolis East Elementary School reading with children.

Joan will be sadly missed by her daughter, Karen Lynn Hoogerwerf-Shearer, of South Williamston; son, Michael Robert Hoogerwerf of Margaretville; grandchildren, Mythia Elyse Hoogerwerf Shearer of Halifax; Michael Aiden, Garrett Johannes, and Liam John Hoogerwerf, all of Margaretville.

Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband, Johannes Patrick Hoogerwerf; son, David Kenneth Hoogerwerf; brothers, Edwin Harry and Vaughn Carrol Durling; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A special thanks to Donna Gould of Middleton, for her years of friendship and service, cousin, Jeff Durling for friendship and guidance, Dr. Kevin McGuire and his staff, the many doctors and nurses of Valley Regional Hospital and Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, VON, VON RN's, The Palliative Care Team and Continuing Care Team for taking good care of my Mum.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service for both Joan and her son David will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 19 , in Nictaux Cemetery, with Rev. Jeff Milne officiating.  Donations in memory may be made to Nictaux Cemetery, an animal shelter of choice, Heart and Stroke Foundation of NS, or Cottage Cove District Wharf Society. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her but especially by her Favorite Daughter, Karen. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com