Joan was born on February 14, 1931 to Mary and William Doody of Ballynahulla, County Kerry, Ireland. She was the eldest of four children and was predeceased by her beloved brothers Bill, Denis, and Mick.
With the same gumption and fortitude that she exhibited throughout her life, Joan left her cherished Ireland shortly after graduating from secondary school to pursue a nursing career in London, England. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jimmy Mitchell, at his 21st birthday party. Jim and Joan emigrated to Canada in 1956, first landing in St John’s, Newfoundland, where they were married, later settling in Saint-Eustache, Quebec following a short stint in Cornwall Ontario. They lived in Saint-Eustache until 1979 where they built a warm and lively home together, raising six children: Liam, Sean, Deirdre, Aidan, Maria, and Shivaun. The family, friends and local community fondly recall the controlled chaos of this wonderful abode, all of it under the warm and watchful eye of their beloved mother and friend.

Never fearing a new challenge, Joan went back to University to learn French. With the new language under her belt she took on the position of Animatrice (Activity Director) at the Manoir Grand Moulin. There she brought joy, comfort, and creativity to all of the many lives she touched.

Ever the island girl, she was the driving force that led the family across the country to Vancouver Island, more specifically Brentwood Bay, where she remained until her death. Joan became active in many social causes, including a deep and meaningful allyship with the Tsartlip First Nation. A memorable highlight of her activism was when she appeared on the front page of the local newspaper, arms linked with Indigenous community members in solidarity, forming a protective circle around a sacred forest to prevent its destruction.

A woman of deep faith, Joan remained devoted to the Catholic Church throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and devoted herself to helping the sick, the imprisoned, the poor and the dying. Her steadfast compassion and love of God were a source of comfort and strength to many.

Music was one of Joan’s greatest joys. A gifted singer and fiddle player, she frequently organized jam sessions with fellow Irish musicians in her community. She was deeply proud of her family’s rich musical heritage – her brother Denis Doody was a celebrated recording artist, and her grandfather, Din Tarrant, was a renowned polka musician in his day. Joan always took the opportunity to break out in song to ensure that her love of Irish music would continue to echo through generations to come.

Joan will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Her unwavering dedication to family extended across oceans as she maintained close connections with her Irish relatives throughout her life. Her legacy of love, faith, music and activism lives on in all who were fortunate to know her.

She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.