Joan (Martin) Hancock

The world lost a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Joan (Martin) Hancock. Joan passed away peacefully at the Miller Centre in St. John’s on February 2, 2024 at the age of 74 with her loving husband of 54 years by her side. Joan was a determined warrior who battled lung cancer for almost a year and a half while maintaining her selfless and loving character. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet her, witnessed her pure heart and kind soul.

Joan was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland to her pre-deceased parents Bride (Colbert) Martin and Gerald Martin. She met her husband while residing in Toronto and after a short period of time in Ontario, her and her adoring husband William (Bill) Hancock moved to Labrador City where they started their family. Joan was a devoted and loving mother to her three children, Wayne (Amber) Hancock, Renee (Chris Conrad) Hancock, and Tracy (Rob) Thistle . She was also a proud grandmother to her five grandchildren Tristan, Emily, Alea, Liam and Reed. Also leaving behind to mourn, a special friend Barb Higgins and family.   She is survived by her sisters, Betty Ryan, Patricia Sheppard, Rosemary (Kevin) Squires, and by her brothers, Robert Martin, Gerald (Doreen) Martin, Kevin Martin, Jimmy Martin, Dennis (Glendine) Martin and as well as a large circle of nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother-in-law, Tom Ryan and John Sheppard and her dog that she loved for 13 years, Sheba.  

 Joan was cremated at Carnell‘s Funeral Home in St. John’s. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

If you would like to make donations in honour of Joan, you can do so to the Cancer Society.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thank you to the palliative care team and  to those who provided such great care to  Joan.