Joan Helen Scott
February 9, 1935 to February 29, 2024
Obituary
With great sadness we announce that Joan Scott (n. Pinner) died peacefully on February 29, 2024. Joan, a very independent woman, was born on February 9, 1935 to Charles Pinner and Florence Taylor. Raised in Ipswich, the second of two children, she loved school and believed deeply in education. She studied biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and sociology at OISE, University of Toronto where she gained a PhD. She began her working life as a schoolteacher and later taught Biology and Women’s Studies at MUN. She was a spokesperson for social justice, the environment and equality for women. She loved dogs, birds and nature. In her later years she deeply valued the relationships she shared with members of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and the MUNPA Memoir Group. She was predeceased by her son Nicholas and leaves two daughters, Kathleen (Thomas McDonough) and Victoria, and one beloved grandson, Elliott. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gofundme campaign for Rescuing the Cape Ray Wreck. The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday, March 3, from 12- 2PM.
So very, very saddened to hear the news of your mother’s passing. We met a number of years ago through a book/brunch group and the Writer’s Guild. I used to dog-sit her faithful old Siggie when Joan travelled. My sincerest condolences.
Deepest condolences to all Joan’s family, friends and colleagues. May she rest in peace.
Sending our deepest condolences to family, friends, and loved ones from the staff at the Hungry Heart Cafe. Joan was a lovely and loyal customer and will be missed dearly.
Joan was such a brave, intelligent and positive person. It’s heart warming to read the condolences here and to think about all that she contributed to this beautiful threatened world. Sincere condolences to her family and to all who loved her.
Joan was a life force when I didn’t have it in me to continue with life. I will never forget her generosity, kind honesty, and everything she did for me in my early years in Canada. I regret not being in touch with her for the last number of years. Rest in power Joan. Sending my condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.
I remember Joan as deeply enthusiastic, determined and warm-hearted. Her love for the Writers Guild and annual pilgrimage to Eastport was heartfelt Her vibrant spirit will be missed.. Condolences and blessings!
Joan MacIntosh
There are very positive memories and respect of Joan for many years in the Science Faculty..
My deepest condolences Victoria, Elliott, and Kathleen. My memories of Joan extend back to my first year biology (!) class, and points in all the years since. Her political activism and her kindness to myself and my family during a dark time in our lives will not be forgotten.
Dear Kathleen, Victoria, and family,
I met Joan almost 40 years ago when I took a Women’s Studies course from her. Her sharp mind, great wit, and contagious energy made her an engaging professor and I loved the way she made the study of feminist theory relevant and accessible to a disparate group of students. I greatly admired her life-long dedication to social justice and the time and wisdom she shared with her community in countless volunteer roles. The last time I saw her, we talked about writing and books but mostly about family., which made her smile a lot. Joan’s strong voice and generous spirit will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all as you remember your amazing mother. Beth
Dear Victoria, family and friends.
Joan was a woman who made a difference! I was privileged to have have known her over the years, especially as she effectively championed nature and women’s issues.
My deepest condolences, Rita
Dear Kitty and family,
My condolences to you at this sad time. I knew Joan through the social justice movement and as a fierce advocate for gender equity. I am grateful for her work in community. She was a ‘tough bird’ who certainly helped moved the needle on human rights.
I also enjoyed bumping into her regularly on the pippy park trails, because nature helped create a quiet calm in this noisy world.
Sending you and yours love and light!
Kind regards,
Sheilagh
Joan’s voice, opinions and presence was integral in the feminist movement in the Province. When she spoke, she was well worth listening to as she shared her wisdom, knowledge and empathy.
On a personal note, I attended one of Joan’s gatherings at her home (party) and gained a wayward cat that she had taken in one stormy night the week previous. Her resident cat wouldn’t allow this new intruder so Joan was looking for a home for her. This cat came and sat on my lap for a couple of hours. For all the years that Melissa was in our family, I thought of and thanked Joan for this wonderful gift.
Condolences to Joan’s many friends and family. May her memory be a blessing.
Condolences to Joan’s family & friends.
I worked with Joan at MUN Biology. She was a very nice woman and always had a smile and a chat whenever we had a chance to see each other. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. Hugs to all.
Shena
Joan Scott was the first person I met who introduced the idea of courses by and about women of colour: to make this happen she travelled to Nova Scotia at her own expense to learn more about new programs there. She provided hospitality to countless visitors including politicians of the Green Party and the NDP and probably others. She also provided homes for various dogs and cats and was diligent in walking her dog in all weather. Above all I admired her candour. I didn’t always agree with her point of knew she would speak her mind honestly and learned a lot from her.
Thank you Joan.
Its been such a shock to learn of Joan’s passing.. Heartfelt condolences Victoria, Kathleen and Elliott.
Paris and Janette Georghiou .
My deepest sympathy to Joan’s family and friends. I interacted with Joan through participation in a MUNPA discussion group on Healthy Aging. She took a keen interest in seniors issues and livened up our group with her comments and questions.
Joan was a social activist with an acerbic tongue who used it for all the most important causes. She was full of stories during our lunch dates ands aways ready to debate issues. My condolences go out to Victoria and Kathleen
My deepest condolences to you all, Victoria, Kitty, Elliot and those in Nova Scotia -Susan, Sophia and Benjamin.. Joan was a fine and challenging woman who contributed ideas, energy and many volunteer hours to improve the world around. her.
Dear Kitty,
Gerald and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother.
Deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the woman I knew only as Joan The Volunteer. She taught me so much in my short time working at Planned Parenthood, and made a huge impression on me. Her mark on this world is indelible and her warm and kind presence will be dearly missed.
I was lucking enough to work with Joan as she was a regular volunteer at Planned Parenthood Newfoundland. Her dedication, commitment and engagement with her community was outstanding. May she rest in peace and let her dedication inspire us all to work for the society we all want to have.
I always admired Joan for her social justice advocacy , often done with a warm ,knowing smile.
Condolences to family and Joan’s large circle of friends, former students and colleagues. The world is a better place for Joan’s having been here. I will miss her smiling, friendly and inquisitive face. She brightened any room she was in and I am grateful for having seen her on my recent visit to St. John’s..
Sandy Pottle
Sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother. She deserves all the tributes.
Kay Matthews
My condolences to the family. Joan was a colleague for many years. A plucky, no-nonsense woman who fought for all the right causes. Joan loved science and was always eager to learn new things. She was supportive of many people, colleagues and friends. She will be missed.
Victoria, I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing
You have been such a dedicated daughter. May she rest in peace
Condolences to family and friends. Joan was thoughtful, passionate, community-minded. and not shy about chiding reporters! She will be remembered for her contributions to our society.
Joan was a stalwart supporter of all things so all justice. She has woven her threads into the work done in this province. Grateful for her hard work, commitment and contribution.
I worked with your mom in her volunteer life. She made a difference in our world through her work for social justice. She was a strong feminist. Wendy Williams now living in Vancouver.