Obituary of Joan McKell

Joan E. McKell passed away peacefully on July 7, 2015. She was born on November 7, 1941 in Woodstock, NB. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Grace (Cook) Mutch. She was predeceased by her loving husband Walter J. McKell of Grafton, NB and brother-in-law George McKell. She is survived by her three children, Kevin McKell of Woodstock, Carmen McKell (Garfield Fisher) of Douglas, and Mark McKell of Douglas; brother David (Ruby Jean) Mutch of Fredericton, and several nieces and nephews. Joan was a graduate of Bethany Bible College and Teachers College. Upon graduation, Joan taught school where she met Walter. In addition to being a devoted mother, Joan was a talented musician and taught piano lessons to many students in Woodstock. She was also a devoted Christian and the Woodstock Wesleyan Church as church organist for over 40years. Her love for music was matched by her love for animals. She operated the Kelmgrove Kennels in Grafton for many years. After caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, Joan became the President of the Alzheimer’s Society in NB, helping other families cope with the disease. Joan and Walter loved to travel, starting with a trip across Canada on their honeymoon. They repeated this trip with their children years later and toured Europe many times. Joan was well-known up and down the Saint John River Valley for her talents in the kitchen and host of many fun filled “Cook” family gatherings. Joan will be remembered for her service to God, family and friends and she will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. Special thanks to Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Edgar, Rev. Roger Richardson and all of the other members of the palliative care team at the DECH. There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. A memorial service will be held in Woodstock at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through the www.yorkfh.com.