Eva Joan MacAulay, passed away May 4, 2023 comfortably at the Aberdeen Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
The year was 1952. The war had ended a few years earlier. Blue Tango by Leroy Anderson was the top song playing. Queen Elizabeth had just assumed the crown. Then, the most epic of Boomers made her appearance... Eva Joan MacAulay rocketed into this world on July 16th, 1952, born to parents Irene and John Stallard of Hillside, Nova Scotia. The world would never be the same again. Joan (or affectionately known as "Joanie", or my personal favorite, "The MamaTang") made the sun shine extra strong that day because even the universe knew she was something extra special. Those who knew Joan knew that everything and everyone she encountered would never be able to forget her. She always had a smile and a joke ready to crack. Her hugs were legendary as she pulled you into her soul and gave you that extra little wiggle to push in the love just a bit further. Love and laughter were something that was genuinely ingrained in her soul. This obviously caught the attention of a man who would become the greatest love of her life. Joan married Hugh Edward MacAulay in 1985 and spent their lives madly in love with each other. Together they built a happy life with their little family, Shelley, Christopher, and Gillian. Joan spent 33 years of her life at Summer Street Industries which became her second family. Her legacy of kindness, humor and caring will still be felt for many years to come within the organization. She truly loved all her co-workers and clients; they became like family over the years. Speaking of family, there was nothing Joan was prouder of than her family. She had 2 daughters, Shelley and Gillian, with whom she spent all her years travelling, laughing and, of course, being silly. Then, of course, there was her special pride and joy, her boy Christopher Stallard, whom she absolutely adored and couldn’t wait to meet again at the other end of the rainbow. All that being said, everyone who knew Joanie knew one of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother to her boys Palmer, Ryan and Noah. She was such a good Nan that she helped shape those boys into the beautiful, caring souls they are today. Joan was just an all-around rock star. You could often find her singing (off tune), whipping up some beautiful creation or, of course, laughing; Joan loved to laugh, and everyone knew her sense of humor was amazing. She knew that life was short and that you had to embrace every moment with love, laughter and joy. There are simply not enough words or time to express how truly beautiful a soul she was and that her presence on this earth changed the lives of many forever.
Joan is affectionately remembered by sisters: Edie, Florence (Boyer) Gagnon, Marie Ford-King, Barb (Rick) MacIntyre, Alice Stallard; brothers: John Henry Stallard, Alfred (Phyllis) Stallard; daughters: Gillian MacAulay and Shelley Stallard (Rod Keefe) and grandsons: Palmer, Ryan and Noah; also, countless nieces and nephews who looked up to her as another mother. Really the list could go on and on because she was such a positive force in so many lives. We are devastated by her loss, but also so grateful for the time we had with her. Joan’s grace, brilliance and kindness will echo on for many years to come.
We will be having a burial service at the Hillside Cemetery on Thursday, May 11th at 2pm, followed by a celebration of life at the Hillside Hall from 3-6pm, followed by an evening of fun, live music and dancing from 7pm-12am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Special Olympics. Joan always said, "I don’t want a boring old funeral- send me off with a bang", and we plan to do just that. Rest easy Joanie, you were loved immensely. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home.