F. Joan Clift (nee Cairney)
April 15, 1935 to November 26, 2023
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late Joan Clift on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 2 p.m., please follow the link below:
CLIFT F Joan (Cairney) passed peacefully away at her home on Sunday November 26th surrounded by family.
Joan was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1935 and was wooed to St. John’s at the tender age of 18 by her beloved husband Frank. Together they raised 5 children while building the T.B. Clift Ltd business and establishing a close group of friends that have remained a part of their lives for decades. Joan was an active member of the Lions Club ladies auxiliary and spent years volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross. She loved golfing with the girls in Florida, playing bridge anywhere she could get a game, and was not one to miss a party! She threw a mean dinner party and in her later years thoroughly enjoyed her weekly Sunday brunch excursions. Most of all, Joanie Ponie adored spending time with her family and was happiest surrounded by those she loved dearly.
Joan will be remembered for her determination, strength and resilience which amazed everyone who watched her gracefully navigate her cancer journey these past 4 years. The family would like to thank Dr. Neveu and the cancer clinic team for taking such wonderful care of our RockStar!
Joan leaves behind 5 children Rick (Kathleen/Fitz), Anne (Jim Aylward), Denise (Bill Roberts), Elizabeth (Todd Taylor), and Shannon (Christa). Her grandchildren Sarah Clift, Richard Clift, Fraser Clift, Alex Aylward, Daniel Aylward, Erin McLean, Nicky Prikhodko, Tori Roberts, Lauren Taylor, Jack Taylor, Will Clift, Braydon Clift, Hudson Clift will miss her love and guidance as will her 11 beautiful great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister-in-law Alice Clift as well as other members of the Clift and Cairney families. She is predeceased by her life partner of 66 years Frank Clift as well as brother Jack Cairney and sisters Marie Cairney and Bev Alsop.
Family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Friday, December 8 from 10am – 2pm, with funeral service to follow in the Carnell Memorial Chapel at 2pm.
Flowers are gratefully accepted.
God speed Queen Bee
Schedule
Visitations
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on December 8, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
2:00pm, Friday December 8th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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So sorry for your loss my condolences to the Clift family may she rest in peace.
MY CONDOLENCES TO TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS GOD SPEED QUEEN BEE
Liz and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you at this difficult time. I hope you can find solace in her peace and gratitude for the many wonderful memories you have of her.
Rick, Kathleen & Family,
Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of your Mom. May the wonderful memories you share bring you comfort during this time. Thinking of you all.
Todd,Liz and family,
So sorry for the loss of your dear mom. It’s always so hard to lose the Matriarch of the family. John and I have you in our thoughts🩷
Thinking of my good friend Joan and the many wonderful times we had together.
Sending my condolences to her beloved family.
I will miss her dearly.
Lillian Case
Anne and family,
Condolences on your mom’s passing . While we knew Frank and Joan before vacationing during the winter we had many an enjoyable game of golf and several nites at the club , all of which cemented a very comfortable friendship that we carry to this day . We will miss them
Jean and Lloyd Cooke
Rick and Fitz, I am so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you with fond memories. Donna Rae (Vincer) Furlong
Denise and family,
My sincere condolences to you. I remember your mother as a kind and gracious lady and always impeccably dressed. Take care.
Gail Hillyard Powell
Rick and family,
We’re so sorry for your loss.
I have many fond memories of spending time around Mr. and Mrs. (Frank & Joan) Clift with my parents, and all of your family growing up in St. John’s – through big and sometimes comical birthday celebrations, Holiday gatherings, and more. Thinking of them makes me smile today.
Although we can’t be with you through this difficult time, please know that we are thinking of all of you, and will cherish the memories forever.
Our sincerest condolences.
Liz and family, deepest condolences on your mother’s passing. Beautiful tribute to you mom. My thoughts are with you…. Annette White
Rick, My condolences on the loss of your mother. God Bless. Boyd
To Anne and family sorry to hear your loss
Auntie Joan was a sweetheart and kindness lady you ever meet
She going to be missed big time.
Liz,Todd and family so sorry for the loss of your love one may you hold tight the good memories to help you through the sad days and months ahead .please accept our condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers .
More loyal and faithful friends our parents could not have asked for than Frank and Joan Clift. They enjoyed a vibrant social life in each others company and we are most grateful for the friendship they offered but also that your parents introduced our father to our mother.
May your memories bring great comfort.
We have lots of fond memories of both Joan and Frank from our years in Peridia,FL..We enjoyed many golf games together as well as other social get togethers.
Her courage in facing her cancer was an inspiration to us alll.She was accepting of the outcome but fought for every day she could.
Enjoy a well deserve rest Joan!
Denise and all the family, we were so saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. We were honoured to call Joan a friend and kept in touch with messages fairly regularly. Her family was everything to her. She most certainly handled her illness with the utmost strength and grace. We send our warmest and heartfelt condolences.