Joanne Elaine Cross

Joanne Elaine Cross, 66, of Waterside and formerly of Hopewell Cape passed away on January 19 ,2022 at the Moncton Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Joanne was born in Moncton on March 12, 1955 the daughter of the late Richard "Dick" Wilbur and Janet (Rogers) Wilbur-Morton of Moncton.

 

Joanne grew up and lived in Hopewell Cape all her life, she had a wonderful childhood growing up on the farm and cherished great times shared with her siblings.

After her schooling, she married Dana Cross and they moved down the road and together they started a family of their own. Above everything, Joanne's family was most important. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and very proud grandmother. When her boys were young she carted them off to all kinds of sporting events, cubs and always made them a priority in her life. Then the grandchildren came along and they were the apple of her eye.

 

She loved her home and took great pleasure in her vegetable garden and her flower gardens, making her yard beautiful. Joanne really knew her way around the kitchen and was a great cook and enjoyed baking, her bread was amazing. Always having lots to share with everyone who came by, she could definitely feed the masses with no problem. She worked a few jobs over the years, and put her cooking and baking ability to good use as she worked at many local bakeries, take-outs and restaurants.

Joanne attended the St. Mary's Anglican Church in Hillsborough and also in her younger years attended the United Church in Hopewell Cape. Wherever she attended church she always took part in the activities and sang in the choir.

 

She was very involved in her community, having played in the Ladies Softball League, going to all the wedding showers, baby showers and if there was an event at the community hall, she was there to support it. Joanne was a great neighbour to have, she made sure to drop off some baked goods for anyone feeling down and was known for her generosity.

 

She was a positive influence on everyone she met. She would let her opinion be known and you never had to wonder where she stood on things. At times she had a very tough exterior but everyone knew she was a real softy on the inside. She lived her life to the fullest. She was always laughing and smiling and was the life of the party. She enjoyed teasing and playing pranks on people and would laugh wholeheartedly when things happened.

 

She last worked as an Educational Assistant at the Harrison Tremble and Caledonia High School and made a special connection with all her students, her students became like family.

 

She loved spending time with family and friends at the Cottage in Waterside and had just made this her permanent home after her retirement, she thought of it as her own little piece of paradise on earth. Her love of nature and the outdoors was obvious by the places she lived, she really enjoyed the simple things in life.

 

Her kindness and caring ways will be remembered forever. She has left us many happy moments and would want everyone to think of a funny story as we reminisce and think of Joanne's great laugh echoing in the background. She would say, "A day without laughter is a day wasted."

 

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Dana Cross of Waterside; sons, Matthew (Jenny) of Seoul Korea and their daughter, Bomi; Luke (Kathryn) of Riverview and their twin girls,Tessa and Charlotte; by her mother, Janet Wilbur-Morton (Arnold) of Moncton; brother, Donald Wilbur (Julie) of Edgett's Landing; sister, Kathy Wilbur- Belliveau (Roger) of Memramcook; her special niece, Janet Rodgers (Jesse) of Dawson Settlement and family, who she had a special bond with. She will also be missed by her cousin Paul Stewart and good friend, Julia Woodhouse of Keswick Ridge and by all her in-laws; her extended family and many friends.

 

She was predeceased by her father, Richard "Dick" Wilbur.

 

 

Arrangements are in the care of the Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB, E4H-3K2 734-2780

 

THANK YOU!

A sincere thank you to Joanne's friends, loved ones and family. I have been trying to put thoughts into words as the condolences from all the people that knew Joanne poured in after her untimely passing. I wanted to thank everyone sooner for your kind thoughts, words and deeds but I was just unable to do so. I am devastated by her passing and the loss in my life. Seeing all of the kind comments helped me realize that I was not suffering alone. Joanne was a ray of sunshine in my life. She made a home for our family wherever we happened to live. Family was so important to her but more so she was so important to our family. It was very clear to me in our early years that here was a Christian woman with whom I could have a home and a loving family. We toiled along life's highway facing tribulations and joys too numerous to mention during our 49 years together. She was a willing and able partner in all aspects of our life. I could have not picked a better wife and all that the term means in the Biblical sense. We promised to love, honour and obey until death do us part and I am very sad to say that time has come much too early.

  I hope I speak for all that knew her when I say thank you for your joy. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Thank you for your charity. Thank you for your spirit. Thank you for your sense of humour. Thank you for being there for all of us. You gave of yourself so freely and unconditionally never asking for the same from us. A remarkable woman.

  Joanne's mother, brother, sister and their families I know loved her very much and will miss her fiercely. they have been very supportive to us even in their grief and suffering. We all benefitted from knowing you my dear, me most of all.

 On behalf of our two sons, their wives and children we wish to thank everyone who prayed, donated to a charity on her behalf, and expressed their sympathies to us whether it be online, by phone or in person. Your gestures of kindness will always be remembered and cherished.