It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we share the news of the passing of Joanne Marie Hurley, who left this world peacefully on December 26, 2024, surrounded by family, friends, and her devoted husband, Basil Hurley, at Pine Grove Nursing Home. Joanne courageously battled dementia for 17 years, yet she leaves behind an inspiring legacy filled with love, kindness, and adventure.

Born on January 3, 1943, in Brunswick, Maine, Joanne was the cherished daughter of Raymond and Simone (Lavoie) Doyon. Throughout her life, she radiated joy and curiosity, deeply impacting everyone who crossed her path. Her family meant everything to her, and she maintained strong bonds with her loved ones until the end.

Joanne is survived by her beloved husband, Basil, their five children—Katherine (Kent Brandmeyer) Hurley, Karen Hurley, Cheryl (Michael) Lavigne, Patrick (Josee Lefebvre) Hurley, and John (Nicole) Hurley—and her treasured niece, Myriam (Travis Allen) Doyon. The familial love she nurtured lives on in her grandchildren: Keara (Dom), Ariana, Keillan, Anika Lavigne; Alex, Sarah, Isabelle Hurley; Adam and Ava Neiberger; Jack Hurley; and Summer Grant and Maya Allen. She was also predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Brianna Simone Lavigne.

Joanne's adventurous spirit led her on an incredible journey. She honed her leadership skills at Marie Joseph Academy in Biddeford, Maine, and later graduated from Teachers College in 1961. Soon after, she began her enriching teaching career in Ville St-Laurent, Quebec, where she met her soulmate, Basil. Their move to Chibougamau, Northern Quebec, in 1968, marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter. Despite the challenges of raising five children, Joanne established the town’s first Kindergarten program, exemplifying her dedication to education and community service.

In 1976, her family relocated to Sackville, New Brunswick, where she pioneered a private French language Kindergarten program, impacting the lives of countless children. Joanne’s belief in the power of play and her gift for nurturing young minds made her classrooms lively havens of laughter and learning. A continued pursuit of knowledge led her to complete her BA at St. Thomas University, and she later resumed teaching Kindergarten in Fredericton in 1988.

Beyond the classroom, Joanne was a beacon of community spirit. An active volunteer with the Catholic Women's League, the Fredericton Soup Kitchen, and Pastoral Care at the DECH, she always found ways to uplift those around her. Her home was a warm gathering place, where friends and family were always welcome at her dinner table. Joanne's infectious laugh could light up any gathering, and she cherished the moments spent entertaining and sharing stories.

In her retirement, she and Basil traveled extensively to visit family, explored the beauty of Europe, and enjoyed winters in Florida with their beloved 5th-wheel camper, creating lasting memories with the snowbird community. Summers were filled with gardening, biking, and quality time on the patio with family and friends, truly embodying the spirit of life’s simple pleasures.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Joanne’s extraordinary life on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, 1500 Hanwell Road, Fredericton, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Delta Hotel in the Bobak Room, where we will raise a toast to her inspiring journey.

Her adventurous spirit, compassionate heart, and boundless love will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joanne's honor to the Pine Grove Nursing Home Foundation or a charity of your choice. The legacy of her love and kindness will forever echo in our hearts.