With heavy hearts, we announce that Jessie Joan Keith (nee Doncaster) passed away on July 12, 2026, at the Dartmouth General Hospital at the age of 87. Born March 2nd, 1939, in Sussex Corner, New Brunswick, she was the eldest child of the late Kenneth and Dorothy Doncaster.
She is survived by her daughter Lara (Bob) Hazelton, son Curtis Keith, and grandchildren Emma (Sandrico) Hazelton-Provo, James Hazelton, and Diana Hazelton. Joan is also survived by her sister Sheila Doncaster and brother Terry (Elta) Doncaster. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald E. Keith who passed away in 1996.
Joan grew up in Sussex NB, where she met her husband, Don Keith. They were high school sweethearts who married in 1962. Joan attended Acadia University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology (Honors) in 1961. She attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York for one year, then returned to Acadia where she completed a Bachelor of Education degree in 1963, and a Master of Education in 1978. She had a rewarding career as an educator, first as a teacher and later as a principal. For several years after her retirement from teaching in 1996, she was the director of the Nova Scotia Educational Leadership Consortium, creating professional development programs for public school administrators across the province.
Joan’s faith was of central importance to her. Throughout her life, she was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Dartmouth, now Life Branch Church, where her volunteer work included leadership in congregational care. She completed a Graduate Certificate in Theology from the Atlantic School of Theology in 2013.
She loved art and antiques, and for a time she served as the volunteer representative on the Board of Governors of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Her other hobbies included birdwatching, gardening, and playing the piano.
Joan spent many enjoyable evenings with her companion of 10 years, Vin LoLordo, watching Blue Jays baseball on TV, or listening to jazz music. She travelled extensively, especially with her son, Curtis. Her adventures included a safari in Tanzania, multiple trips to Europe, and helicopter flights in Hawaii and the Grand Canyon.
Joan will be remembered for her passion for life, dedication to her church, and deep love for her family and friends.
Donations in memory of Joan may be made to Life Branch Church in Dartmouth, to Acadia University’s Charlotte Burditt Sutherland Memorial Scholarship Fund, or to a charity of your choice.
There will be a visitation with the family on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Life Branch Church, 10 Lancaster Dr, Dartmouth, NS. All are welcome. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Life Branch Church, with reception onsite to follow.