Visit the Smith Funeral Home website to send your condolences and support.
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Dorothy Naug on Wednesday April 3, 2024 at the age of 89. Joan was born in Podanur India as the youngest child of James and Ann Chinnery. She was the sister to Teresa Dawson (Sydney, Australia), Rita Shafton (Toronto, Ontario – deceased), Philomena Fewkes (Perth, Australia – deceased) and John Chinnery (Toronto, Ontario – deceased) and the mother to Samantha Naug (Tim Van Schoik) of North Carolina and Jason Naug (Ann-Marie) of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Joan was the proud grandma of Anna and Jake Naug and the former spouse of John Naug (deceased). Joan leaves behind nieces and a nephew in Australia and Canada.
Joan grew up in India but with an adventurous spirit moved to England as a young woman after completing her college training. In England she began her working life at a number of businesses including a short stint at Wembley Stadium before marrying and moving to Canada in 1965. Once in Canada Joan worked full-time at both St. Joseph’s Hospital and for the Polysar/Nova Corporation until her retirement.
Joan was a proud member of Our Lady of Mercy parish having sung in the choir and performed other roles for over 55 years. She was also a member of the International Symphony Choir. In both places she enjoyed not only the music but the many good friends she made. In addition to music, Joan also contributed to social programs and was the former president of the Sertoma Club of Sarnia. The sports celebrity dinners, Christmas baskets for families and support for the Sertoma Child and Youth Centre were highlights. She later also served as the president of Goodwill Industries, another organization devoted to supporting people’s social and economic needs in Sarnia. Never one to sit still, Joan went back to college after retirement and worked in the hotel and then insurance industries for a number of additional years. She also enjoyed travelling and did a number of trips abroad including to Australia, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Ireland and others with seemingly endless enthusiasm and energy. A hardworking, social, adventurous, independent, and tough lady – she will be missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Stoesser for the care provided over many years as Joan’s primary physician as well as Dr. Allison Crombeen and the staff at the Bluewater Health Palliative Care Unit for their excellent care and support.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 390 N. Christina St. Sarnia Ontario on Friday May 3, 2024 at 10:00 am, with a lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to: Our Lady of Mercy Church, CNIB, Alzheimer’s Society, or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
