With great sadness we announce the passing of Joan Kathleen (McKay) Fraser "Nanny" at the age of 91 on December 30, 2023. Joan passed away surrounded by family at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, NS. 

Joan was born September 11, 1932, to William R. and Kathleen (Moss) McKay, Springville. She was predeceased by her loving husband, David Fraser and all her siblings: W.C.D McKay, Ruth Woodworth, Ernie McKay, Richard McKay, Myrtle Kelly, Shirley McKay, F. Dennis McKay.  

She started her education in the one room school in Springville and graduated in 1950 from Stellarton High School.  She worked as a proof-reader for the Evening News. In 1956, she was a proud graduate of the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing where she was co-editor of the school yearbook. That year she married her lifelong partner and settled on Rose Ave, Trenton, NS. They raised four children: J.D. (Nancy), Janet (Stewart "Motor") MacPherson, Tom (Susan), and Pat (Rhoda). She loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren: David, Barrett, Alexander, Abigail, Kathleen "K.C.", Samantha, Andrea, April, William; her favorite dog, Rowdy; great-grandchildren: Kaileb, Jacob, Tayler, Karr, and Emberleigh. Besides her children and grandchildren, she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was a long-time member of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church "The Kirk" New Glasgow. She served as president of the Ladies Aid for several years. She was the first president of the amalgamated Ladies Aid and Guild. She was a 24-year member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Trenton Fire Dept. where she served several terms as president, secretary, and treasurer. In 1999, Joan was "Volunteer of the Year" for the Town of Trenton, having worked for the Canadian Diabetic Assoc, Kidney Foundation, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. During her nursing career she worked at the Aberdeen Hospital, and upon her retirement, she started what’s known as "Nurses Lunch", a get together for retired nurses for the past 30 years. She was also a president of the New Glasgow VON during the amalgamation with Pictou County VON. She was an active member of Pictonian Council 789 UCT. She enjoyed many years as a member of the Housewives Bowling League. Joan was also an avid Bridge player and look forward to her Bridge parties. She was a Primary Life member of the Dr Caroline Carmichael Chapter of the IODE in New Glasgow, in which she held offices locally and provincially.   

There will be visitation on Tuesday, January 2, from 2-4 and 6-8pm at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow, NS. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, January 3 at 11am at the R.H. Porter Funeral Home with interment at the Springville Cemetery. There will be a reception at the Springville Community Center following the burial. In lieu of flowers, Joan requested donations to the Pictou County Fuel Fund or a charity of your choice.