It's hard to sum up the force of nature that was my sister Joan. She was 6 years older than me so growing up we didn't spend a lot of time together but I do have a few memories of those early days. I remember she could sell anything. One time she was selling raffle tickets. A tourist bus stopped in Llandovery & she didn't waste time. She jumped on the bus & shamelessly persuaded them to buy tickets; she sold the book even though they were about to leave & wouldn't be able to collect their prize. That was Joan; she threw herself wholeheartedly into any task. I remember she was at Catering college in Cardiff. She would come home & the kitchen would be like a bakery. She was non stop cooking; meringues, scones & cakes. I remember Mum saying "Joan, that's enough now darling. This is going to last us until Christmas!" I remember how smitten she was when she first met Jock. He was in the RAF & came to stay at 82 Sussex Gardens. The rest of us thought he was just a normal guest but Joan came alive - making sandwiches, offering him tea; she couldn't do enough & we all sensed there was something special going on. Their wedding was at the chapel by the Beaufort Arms & they had a bagpiper playing. I remember Aunty Mary telling everyone to only throw confetti beyond the church gate as there was only her to clean it up. Of course, she & Jock settled in NZ where they brought up their 3 lovely children & achieved great things; building at least 2 houses & a successful business. Although we weren't able to spend a great deal of time together over the years I do remember visiting Wales with her on one of her many visits to the UK, & also being in Tenerife with her & Jock & also with her & Pam on two separate occasions. I'm grateful for those memories. Joan was a wonderful daughter to our Mum Olive, sister to me & Pam, & wife, mother & grandmother. Her spirit will stay with us & we will all miss her terribly. With lots of love from her brother David 'Dai bach' & the whole UK family.

Joan will be sorely missed by all of us at Howick Little Theatre. She was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter, and was always ready to share an honest and astute comment about any production she attended, sometimes even sharing these with the theatre’s President if she thought things could be done better! She was a warm, welcoming presence on Front of House and Bar, sharing her generous, outgoing personality and passion for the theatre with everyone who stepped through the front door. Joan loved the theatre, not only for the arts, but because she could mix with people of all ages, and she was thrilled when we had the St Andrews Big Band of youth musicians do two concerts at HLT, happily attending one concert and helping with FOH at the other. Joan was always willing to lend a hand: if there was something to be done that she could do, she’d do it! She provided many a delicious plate for our member suppers, and regularly attended our AGM and special events, and we recently welcomed her to our Life membership after 20 years of support. Thank you Joan, for everything. We’ll miss you.

Joan was a beloved Aunty and despite the miles between our homes, I was lucky enough to spend time with her, Jock and my New Zealnd family in 1989 and then again in 1997 and I also saw her whenever possible during her visits to the UK. She was very special, had a great sense of humour and I will always remember her boundless energy. I was inspired by her indefatigable positivity and I hope I can maintain that in my own life. She'll always be in my thoughts and I send this with love to her wonderful family there in Auckland and here in the UK. Xxx