Joan Yvonne Richardson (Murphy) was forever proud of her Irish roots and her “Old Row” upbringing in Thorburn. Born in 1943 at home to Jean Murphy (MacNeil) and James Murphy, she attended East Pictou High School and moved to Stellarton where she raised her family shortly after marrying Bryce Richardson.

Working briefly for Poulain’s pharmacy, this lover of animals and all of god’s creatures was employed by Sobeys Head Office for 25 years where she worked cheerfully alongside her friends in the payroll department. In retirement, “Joanie” volunteered at the Pictou County Food Bank and continued to make her famous blueberry pies every summer and chocolate fudge wreaths at X-mas. Mom loved the holidays more than anyone, and made this a joyous, indulgent, and beloved occasion for her family, always counting down to the big day by the number of remaining paychecks starting in September.

She taught her three children the core value of never judging others based on their financial worth or their appearances. Her best advice was that “you catch more bees with honey” and she felt strongly about forgiveness and being kind to others. Joan valued her health and was an avid walker, for many years accompanied by her loving rescue dog Abbey who enjoyed walks along the Sampson Trail. A known germaphobe, she made Lysol wipes and proper hand washing technique fashionable long before the pandemic.

She loved hanging her clothes out to dry once spring arrived, was unmatched in her ironing skills, and could famously remove any stain. For many years she was an enthusiastic speed skater but her favorite past-time was going to the movies and meeting her friends for morning coffee at McDonalds.

Joan was a devoted, loving, and supportive mother to her three children and 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild: Grace Richardson (Tim, Brooke and Carly Barsness, Stellarton), Jennifer Worthen (Terry, Josh (Emily), (great-granddaughter, Briar, and Brandon (Claire), Dartmouth), and Jeff Richardson (Allyson, Cameryn, Jamie and Nikki, Stellarton). In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind her older sister Kathleen (Kay) Bryan and was predeceased by her son, Bradley Richardson, parents James and Jean (MacNeil) Murphy and brothers Jerry and Warren Murphy.

Alzheimer’s disease cruelly robbed mom from enjoying her life over the last eight years, but we will forever remember her for her intelligence, empathy, and love of life and family. Joan was a devote Catholic, a trusted friend, a loyal wife, and a genuine and loving mother who adored and loved her family “a Bushel and a Peck”.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10 from 2-4 pm in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Chapel in Stellarton