Joan Blackmore Thistle
September 18, 1928 to May 12, 2020
Obituary
With sadness but with deep gratitude for her long and happy life, we announce the peaceful passing of Pamela Joan Blackmore Thistle, embraced by her cherished and loving daughter Terri, Joan’s lifelong source of unbridled joy, pride, companionship and support.
Joan was born to Captain William Barbour Blackmore and Annie Andrews Blackmore and was blessed to be raised by them in Port Union, along with her treasured siblings Frances, Wilfred, Adeline, Flo and Bill. Her early life was shaped by the closeness of family, the great character and spirit of outport NL, and her belief that life was an adventure to be embraced and explored. She did so intentionally all her life, with her characteristic strong will and optimism. Joan was blessed with a happy life with her wonderful husband Bernard Thistle and their two children, Roy and Terri. She had an indomitable spirit that saw her camping well into her 80s, never allowing residual effects of a stroke to cramp her lifestyle or her outlook. Joan was the very example of an independent woman of substance, open to every experience, embracing nature, wildlife and all animals and showing her unconditional love for her family and friends.
Publicly, Joan will be remembered with distinction as one of Newfoundland’s iconic artists whose paintings, pottery and sculptures represent a unique and compelling narrative of outport life in pre-Confederation Newfoundland; the simple pleasures of family and celebratory community gatherings, working the land and the sea, the agony of waiting for loved ones to return from the fishery and her aching emotional portrayals of when lives were lost at sea. Her work communicated the important roles of both women and men during her childhood in Port Union and elsewhere on the Bonavista Peninsula and it was her artistic message depicting the essential work of women who raised families, tended to the harvest, and lived with uncertain hope and constant worry that became her artistic signature, resonating with Newfoundlanders and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Newfoundland history and culture. In this, her work was singularly impressive and both Joan and her works were acknowledged by numerous honours. Joan was invited to meet Queen Elizabeth II, who viewed and appreciated Joan’s work during the 1997 arrival of The Matthew in Bonavista, she was a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her contribution to public life and her numerous exhibitions received praise for their thoughtful, historical and artistic merit. Her childhood thirst for life and her staggering capacity for memory enabled her to capture through her artistic gifts the emotive power of rural Newfoundland life that has shaped our people and culture.
With little regard for the norms of her times, Joan eagerly embraced and embodied the characteristics of modern day women. She was a loving wife and mother, a devoted daughter and sibling and she successfully followed her passions through her artistic gifts, her spirit and curiosity, all of which enabled the independent thought that guided her for her entire life. She was gentle, but firm and determined, and her family will always affectionately remember her warm, selfless and gracious nature. She was noble, humble, dignified and deeply loved.
Joan is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Bernard, and her siblings Frances Hill, Wilfred Blackmore, Adeline Talmage, Flo Pike and Bill Blackmore, all of whom Joan loved intensely. Lovingly and forever remembering her are her children, Roy (Bev) and Terri, her grandson Christopher, her sisters-in-law Phyllis Blackmore and June Blackmore as well as the extended Thistle family, her nieces and nephews and their families who adored her, and a wide circle of friends, many from the artistic community. Joan was the last of her generation of Blackmores and her extended family will forever admire her and remember her as a loving, strong, principled, talented, remarkable and humble woman who will continue to guide them.
Terri would like to acknowledge the staff of Chancellor Park where Joan resided in recent years as well as Dr. Patrick O’Shea. Additionally, Terri extends her deep gratitude for the love of her close family and friends, in particular Patti Pike, whose support has been immeasurable. Cremation has been entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road. Plans for a celebration of Joan’s life will be shared at a later date, with interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery Field of Honour. In Joan’s memory, a donation to a charitable organization dear to your heart or an intentional gesture of kindness will be appreciated.
Terri and family ,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was a worker at Chancellor Park and Had the pleasure to know and care for her.she was a beautiful person and she will be sadly missed .
Terri, it is sad to have lost such a warm and talented lady. Joan’s art is an important record of our history – her beautiful ceramic sculptures were a valued contribution to fine craft and an important part of my experience at the Craft Council Gallery. They will remain in my memory as will her smile and kindness. I know how close you both were and I can truly appreciate what a blessing that was for Joan. Your fun and gentle relationship always inspired me. While I wasn’t fortunate to own one of her works, I am happy I saved one of her cards which I will continue to cherish as a memory of your lovely mom. Condolences to your family and take care. Sharon LeRiche
Dear Terry,
I was so sad when I heard the news of your Mom’s passing.It was just the other day that I came across some pictures of your Mother, you and the girls up at Jodi’s cabin and that wasn’t yesterday.Such wonderful memories.Please accept my heartfelt condolences but also my gratitude for having known Joan,the original Free Spirit.
Love Geri
Terri,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. I hope that all of the wonderful memories of your Mom will give your comfort and make you smile as you navigate this difficult time. Thinking of you and sending you big hugs,
Gail & Jillian Peddle
Roy,Bev and Chris, Our thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your loved one.
May the pleasant memories you have of your Mother,Mother-In-Law,and Grandmother help to comfort you at this difficult time.
LOVE,
ART and Alberta
sympathies to Joan’s family. As a distance relative and some lovely memories. I got to know your parents thought my Aunt Bernice Andrews Easton. Spent time with them at your cabin on Salmonier plus thier home. Got to see your mom’s art and feel the warmth you stated in your obituary. May she rest in peace.
Terri, I just read your beautiful words. I am so sorry for your loss. she was an incredible woman. An admired friend of my mothers and a admired artist of mine too. But i know deeply how she was truly an incredible woman and mother to you both. She will be missed. I am so deeply sorry she has left this world but she will never truly leave this world. Hold your loving memories close. You have her forever.
Terri, my condolences to you and your brother on the passing of your. Mom,. She was a wonderful and talented woman, and she was fortunate to have you as such a caring daughter. High
Dear Terri, So sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I will always remember Joan with fondness, love and gratefulness for the time we shared together. I hope your memories of the precious time you had with your mom will comfort you now and always – until you meet again again one day. God never leaves or forsakes you, Terri. With much love, Donna Squires
Terri and Roy,
I am deeply sorry to hear that your mom’s passing.
May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories of her.
Terri ,Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother. . Joan was such a talented artist & friend. May you find comfort in warm memories. Dave & Pamela
Terri,
I only knew your dear mother a short while, but soon loved her dearly. Her beautiful smile would light up my day. My life has been made richer for knowing her and she will live in my heart forever..
Jessie
Terri, I an so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Adriana
Terri, I am so sorry for the loss of you beloved mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you . She always lives in your heart. God bless you.
Noreen
Many hours spent with this amazing artist and person . Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time! She really enjoyed happy times painting together with me and friends and a lot was learned from her, not only about art but also about life!
Terri, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was an amazing woman. I so enjoyed working with her to display her work at the Ryan Premises in Bonavista in 1997 . Thinking of you at this difficult time..
With deepest sympathy.
Ms. Terri,
The love, honour & respect penned in this tribute to your beautiful Mother speaks volumes of the special relationship you shared. May you find comfort in her peace as you journey your loss.
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” Helen Keller
Terri, our sincerest condolences for your loss. Your mother did indeed have an indomitable spirit, and a regal, gentle and inspiring soul. She will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Please take care in this most challenging time.
Terri what a lovely tribute to your mom and her life well lived. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. God bless.
Terri, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Mom. What an incredible life! Please take good care at this difficult time . My deepest sympathies to you and all your family.
Terri I know how close you were to your mother and god bless you. She will always have a special place in my heart. My deepest condolences to you and keep keep all the precious moments close to your heart.
Terri and family
Very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Cherish all the wonderful memories at this difficult time.
Terri,
So very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I was deeply moved to read the beautiful remembrance of her life. A life well lived, loved and cherished by so many.
Long may the memories of your mother cherish you in the days ahead. She has much to continue to teach about living life to the fullest.
Terri, So sorry to hear about your Mom’s
passing. I will always remember her adventurous spirit. We had a few road trips together and she always had more energy than any of us. Sending you and your family my thoughts and prayers
Corriene Murphy
Terri and Roy, Heartfelt and sincere condolences to you both and to the Blackmore family. I have lots of fond memories of her and your dad too! They were always so kind to all of us who grew up on Mt. Scio!
Terri – I am so saddened by the passing of your mom. She was a great spirit and a warm, kind and welcoming person. Aside from her inner beauty, she gifted to all Newfoundlanders the talents of expression of our past, truly a treasure that will last alongside the wonderful memories of all she touched. My condolences to both you and Roy and your extended family.
Terri, such a beautiful expression of love as I read all that your Mom was and is and all the lives she touched in so many unique ways. I am reminded of a conversation with Judy Fraser … join your light to the one light … and she is a bright light. Much Love and Appreciation for being blessed to have known your Mom.
Terri and family
I am thinking of you during this difficult time. May it comfort you to know that others are thinking of you.
Terri, so sorry to hear of your loss of your wonderful Mom. May your memories keep her alive in your heart and may you continue to be inspired by her example. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,
Ms Terri,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thinking of you and your family.
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.. She surely had a good life..
Warren and Shirley England
Terri,
My Heartfelt condolences to you and your brother on the passing of your Mom. She was a wonderful woman, and I loved to see her when we were working on the shows. I am sure she is with your Dad and they are smiling down on you while being content together again for eternity. Take care and cherish your memories of her, all of which were wonderful.
Terri and Roy
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother. We are thinking of you both during this very sad time. Cherish your memories of your life together with her and your late father Bernard.
So sorry Terri, I met your Mom several times over the years, she was a beautiful lady. Bless you.
Terri and Roy
Sending sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. Treasure your precious memories.
Rick and Frances
Roy and Terri,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your lovely, talented mom. Blessings to you and the family at this sad time.
Lisa
Terri-Condolences on the loss of your Mom. I am sure your many years of support brought many great memories that you will cherish forever. Thoughts are with you at the time.
Dear Terri
I’m very sad to hear about your Mom. I enjoyed her company and our many conversations over the years – at the dance concerts, at parties and other events. I enjoyed her company. You’ve been a good daughter to her from start to finish. Love Nina
Terry, my condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother. I have such wonderful memories of her as we made pottery side by side at the old building on Bond Street. She had such a great sense of humor and we laughed for hours while the pottery wheel spun round. I was inspired by Joan. She was a beautiful person.
Sonia Neary Harvey
Terri, condolences for the loss of your lovely mother.
Take care and stay safe.
Roseann Smart
Dear Terri and family, so sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I remember fondly first meeting her at the Ryan Premises back in 1997 and I always looked forward to seeing her in subsequent years for the annual transportation of her amazing artwork to and from the site. I am so glad I got to know her during those years and for the opportunity to share, even a little, in her unbounded passion for our history. My sincere condolences.
So sorry to learn of your mom‘s passing. I fondly remember your birthday parties and your love for dance all made special by the love of your mother. May you be comforted with the peace that surpasses all understanding from Jesus. Lovingly,
Roy & Terri
So sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. I remember a home full of her artistic talent on display in virtually every room. You had great parents.. Take care.
My condolences Terri. I so admired your mother’s warmth, strength and artistry. Her ceramic sculpture is an important part of our cultural history.
Terri, may you be comforted, during this time, by all your treasured memories of your mom. You are in my thoughts; take care.
Terri , my condolences to the loss of your Mother , your best friend . Thinking of you and sending virtual hugs and love to you at this challenging time .
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Am saddened to hear of Aunt Joans passing
What a tremendous life and lady. My sincere condolences
Dear Terry
I’m so sorry for your beloved mom’s passing. She was a very sweet and lovely lady, who knew how to enjoy life, always curious and engaged., with a great sense of humour. I won’t forget our entertaining flipper and turkey dinners with family.. May precious memories bring you comfort during this very difficult time. Thinking about you. Sincere condolences.
My condolences Terri. May your memories sustain you. Sincerely, Mary O’Driscoll
To Teri and family, So sorry for your loss. Joan was a beautiful lady and always made my heart smile. I will always remember her and her exceptional family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Take care and treasure your memories always, Colleen Organ
Terri,
So very sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She was a strong and beautiful woman. I know how much you valued the very special relationship you shared with her. Please take comfort in knowing how respected she was, and how respected you are for the loving and respectful care you gave to her.
Mara Noftall
Terri,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always so interested in what was on the go it was great.
Take care and thinking about you.
Terri and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember her as an extremely talented artist, a fun, inspiring and wonderful woman and a treasured friend to my mom. Terri I hope you find peace in the memories you have and the close relationship you shared with your mom. I know you will miss her dearly.
So very sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful woman both inside and out. Hoping you find comfort in your cherished memories.
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Your parents were our neighbors for many years. They were a very nice couple. Take care.
Bill Webber.
Terri and Roy
We are very saddened to hear of Aunt Joan’s passing. She was certainly an adventurous woman!! Not letting anything hold her back from her annual camping trips!! It was always a pleasure to run into her on these trips. Hold fast to all the wonderful memories that you created together. She will be remembered forever in her beautiful artwork!
Cyril, Susan & family
Terri, we’re thinking of you and thinking back on happy memories of Joanie. She created and shared so much as an artist – she saw things and did things like no one else could. I loved how she was always ready to laugh, especially at hair-raising stories of the kids. In more recent years her force shone bright in her eyes and her smile. And her braid.
There’s never a good time to say good-bye to your mom, but this particular time makes it all the more difficult. We’ll keep those happy memories of Joanie close until the time comes when we can celebrate her life together.
Terri and Roy. I am deeply sorry to hear your beautiful mom has passed.
May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you hold dear
Terri and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you in these difficult times. I keep good memories of meeting your mother at Gillian’s and other Blackmore family gatherings.
Suzelle Lavallée
Sending my thoughts and prayers, as your mom will rest in peace,Thank you for letting me visit with her and to sing with her,You are my sunshine,my only sunshine,my God rest her soul,
Jenny
Terri & Family,
My sincerest condolences to you in the loss of Mrs. Thistle, a relic of Mt. Scio Road for many years. Our families knew each well and we all feel your loss this day.
A long, adventurous, artistic and highly respected life is one to be proud of and Mrs.Thistle certainly lived it to the fullest! Her family is and was her pride and joy, Terri you are her best friend and the bonus is you are her daughter. A lovely bond that can never be broken by her passing.
Stay strong with the help of your family and the wonderful memories you have of your precious mom. RIP Mrs. Thistle, may eternal rest be yours as you are welcomed into the arms of your family in heaven.
Terri so very sorry for your loss
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Linda Mick and Kate McLeod
Terri & Family,
So very sorry Terri, to hear of your Beautiful Mother’s passing, You are in my Thoughts and Prayers, please accept my sincere condolences.
Take Care & God Bless
Annette Newman & Family ????
Sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. As my two year old granddaughter Eva said when dad passed away now Pop-pop is a fairy and your mother has joined him. Today would have been Dad’s 91st birthday.????♥️
Terri, so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and your family. ❤️