Burgess, Joan
December 1, 2019

There is always a light on

In the house by the sea

To signal to sailors

And to call you to me

The light is a fire

It burns and it burns

Waiting so patient

For you to return

The fire is kept by the loved ones you know

And with each passing day, it grows and it grows

The ones that you touch with your heart full of love

From the green grass below to the bright stars above 

So where ever you are

On your journey at sea,

Look to the lighthouse

For that’s where I’ll be.

…Devyn Sherry

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, Joan Burgess. At the age of 85, she quietly passed away on Sunday, December 1st, 2019 at the West Island Palliative Care Residence, Pavillon Stillview in Pointe-Claire.

Joan was born in Truro, Nova Scotia, on July 6th 1934, and lived in Sherbrooke, Thunderbay, Winnipeg, and New Brunswick before settling down once again in Quebec. She spent much of her time volunteering at Dorset Elementary School, lending a hand to those in need and spending time with children who needed a generous listener. She was a guiding light to those who knew her, a source of warmth and kindness for her friends and loved ones. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Patafie, her grandson Devyn Sherry, and her siblings, Betty, Georgia, Dianne, Lloyd and Wayne. Joan will be buried in Sherbrooke with her parents, Grace and George Burgess, in Spring 2020.

The family would like to thank the angels at the West Island Palliative Care Residence for caring for Joan and giving her the peaceful, dignified end-of-life experience she deserved.

Arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (voluntas.ca | (514) 695-7979).