Obituary of Joan Areta Hebb

We are saddened to announce the passing of our Mother, Joan Areta Hebb of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, age 91.  Mom passed peacefully December 16, 2022, after a brief stay in hospital with her family by her side.  Our Mother was known and loved by many, for her kindness and generosity, her willingness to put the needs of others ahead of her own and for her blueberry muffins.  As Mom wrote in her notes, “The most fulfilling part of my life was growing up in a family with love, being a homemaker, enjoying friends and, above all, being a Mother to three sons”.  Mom was born June 14, 1931, to Jack and Edna (Miner) Calkin of Greenwich and attended school in Wolfville.  She loved apple blossoms and the smell of freshly plowed fields.  Living in Middleton where her sons grew up, she worked as a legal secretary, and when Mom and Dad moved to Bridgewater, she worked for the federal government for 19 years as a Program Service Clerk.  Mom loved nature and enjoyed oil painting, photography, and her times at Bachmans Beach.  She was also a very talented piano player. Mom was a member of Bridgewater United Church, sang in the choir, served time as an Elder, and in recent years, was the pianist for a special mens choir.  Joan was predeceased by her first husband of 61 years William (Bill) and her second husband, Hardy Ashley, who she married at age 85.  Mom would be disappointed if we didn’t mention the special furry loves in her life: Jodi, Lucy, Faith, Sophie, Kiyah and Bella. Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her wonderful life, son Peter (Sandra), Port Joli, NS, their son Jason, and great grand daughters Anniemay, Izabella and Evelette; son Richard (Deanna), Fredericton, NB, sons Marc (Brenda), Mitchell (and their mother Selma), Alex (Keelyn); and son John (Linda), Barrie, ON, their son Chad (Angela) and grandsons Joshua, Lincoln, Ty and Winston as well as nieces Mollie, Debbie and Lynn, and Nephews John and Bruce.  The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to a special angel and caregiver Joan Campbell for her unselfish time spent with Mom.  We also acknowledge the exceptional care and understanding of Dr Heather Robertson and the wonderful attention that mom was given by the third-floor nursing staff.   Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 6-8 p.m. in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater.  The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 1 p.m. in Bridgewater United Church, 87 Hillcrest Street, Bridgewater. Reception to follow.  Interment, Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Flowers or donations to a charity of your choice.  Online condolences and donations may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.