She was a life long resident of Saint John and was a member of the Cathedral Parish.

Joan was a long time member of the Glades and enjoyed darts, bowling, shuffleboard and was a New Brunswick champion and she loved to play bingo. She was a member of the former Saint John Press Club and for a time managed the Sportsmen's Club.

Joan was a very active member of the Liberal Party in Saint John East and a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion