Joan Patricia Barron (Nee Whalen) Oct. 19, 1950 – Feb. 10, 2025
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Joan Barron (nee Whalen) of Whitbourne, NL after a brief but courageous battle with cancer surrounded by family at Carbonear General Hospital, Carbonear on Feb. 10, 2025 at the age of 74.
Joan is predeceased by her parents Gerald and Veronica Whalen of Grand Falls, NL, sister Carol Ann Whalen, of Grand Falls and sister-in-law Debbie Whalen.
Leaving to mourn with deep sorrow are her children, Renee Cranford, Gerald Barron (Karin), Veronica Petipas (Monty), Andrew Barron (Kait), precious grandchildren, Olivia Cranford, Connor Bureau, Nyla Leep art, Grayson Barron, Cavin Boozan, Brother, John Whalen and family as well as a large circle of close family and friends.
A Life of Love, Devotion, and Grace
Mom found beauty in life’s simplest joys—family, friends, music, and the quiet pleasure of a walk or a ride on her vintage bike. She found great joy in her faith. A devoted Catholic, she spent many hours preparing for mass, playing the organ, or participating in various fundraisers. Yet, her truest calling was being a mother and grandmother. Her family was everything!
Mom had a rare and powerful gift: an unshakable calm that could quiet even the most chaotic room. She never raised her voice, never let frustration take hold. Instead, she had a presence that settled the soul, bringing warmth and peace wherever she went. To know her was to love her! Once you knew Mom, you weren’t just someone she met; you became someone she cherished. She never forgot a birthday, always sending a handwritten card with words chosen just for you. Thoughtful. Personal.
When music played, Mom became the music. A karaoke queen in every sense, she would seize the microphone without hesitation, filling the room with her voice strong, beautiful, and full of life.
But if Mom had one flaw, it was that she never put herself first. She lived for others—making sure everyone around her was cared for, happy, and never alone. She had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world.
In one of our last conversations, I struggled to understand, asking, “Why you, Mom?” With her quiet wisdom, she simply smiled and said, “God has a plan, and unfortunately, his plan and my plan are not the same.”
That was Mom—accepting, unwavering in faith, and full of grace even in the hardest moments. How very, very honored we were that you were our Mother. You will always be the most important lady in our lives. Your love and guidance will always be with us. We wish you could have been with us longer, but we are grateful for the time we had. Thank you for being our mother. May God care for you as you did for us.
Funeral Services entrusted to Holloway’s Funeral Home, 33A Cabot Avenue, Whitbourne, NL
Visitation with the family will be held on:
Thursday Feb. 13 2-4pm and 7-9pm
Friday Feb. 14 2-4pm and 7-9pm
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday Feb. 15 at 3pm at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in Whitbourne, NL
In memory of Mom, flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to the
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Foundation
So sorry for your loss,she most certainly was a beautiful lady,Renee,Gerald,Veronica and Andrew,thinking of you all at such a sad time.
So sorry for your loss Joan was a beautiful lady thinking about all of you
So deeply sorry for your loss Renee, Gerald, Veronica & Andrew. Your mom was such a special lady & a very dear friend to my mom. What a beautiful tribute to your mom in these special words you have written. Your comments about the cards is so true as it was not uncommon to find a card on my mom’s counter from your dear, mom and not necessarily for a special occasion – sometimes just because. She will be missed! ❤️
Joan was a very lovely person. This world could definitely use more people like her. Leaving her children a legacy that they can cherish and be proud of. Sending Renee, Gerald, Veronica, Andrew and her grandchildren our deepest condolences ♥️
I’m so very saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. She was the kindest, most gentle soul you could ever hope to meet, and a second mother to every kid in Whitbourne who ever walked through her door. My deepest condolences to Andrew, Veronica, Renee, Gerald and your families. Your Mom was truly loved, and will be missed by everyone who was ever lucky enough to know her.
Joan certainly was a special lady knew by many. She could light up any room with her presence. She will be missed and thought of often. Our deepest condolences to Renee, Veronica, Gerald and Andrew along with her large circle of family and friends. We were lucky to have known her❤️🩹
So very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I met her in Choir and felt like I always knew her. She was such a sweet person. Please accept my deepest condolences. May God comfort you and give you peace in the difficult days ahead.
So very sorry for your loss. I shall miss seeing Joan out for her walks in New Harbour….always with a smile on her face.
I am very sorry for your loss Renee, Gerald, Veronica and Andrew. I don’t recall ever seeing your Mom without a smile on her face. She was the kindest and most caring lady. She also won a few radios contests in her day, lol. I remember seeing her walking the roads of Whitbourne and singing away. She most definitely loved her family and she will be dearly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Kelly Winsor Martens
Growing up in Whitbourne, there were so many of us who became good friends with Renee, Gerald, Veronica or Andrew. This also meant that we were blessed enough to have been welcomed into their home. Joan was always there with a huge smile, welcoming you in, music playing while she was singing along. Truly, one of the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful souls ever. My deepest condolences to the family. May God bless and comfort you all.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful women. She was one of the kindest women I remember growing up with a lightness about her that was felt by everyone around her. My thoughts are with you all.
So sorry for your loss she was a beautiful lady I remember her singing at jjs club when they had what we called the Happy tree benefit she would steal the show and a great singer one thing for sure she wasn’t shy and nothing but smiles while she was engaged in conversation joan my darlin I hope your riding your old blue style bicycle on the streets of gold God love you gerald Andrew renee veronica you guys had one of the best kind out going loveable and funny Mom’s so for your loss rest easy beautiful lady Scott
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing, She was the most beautiful, genuine person in the world, I loved having chats with Joan. She was always with a smile and a heart so big , you will be missed Joan , God Bless 🙏❤️
To all of Joan’s family, so sorry for your loss. Joan was a beautiful person. She always stopped for a chat whenever I met her walking. Always gracious, always smiling. Sending love, hugs, and prayers for comfort and peace in the days ahead.
So sorry to hear about Joan’s passing. She was a beautiful lady. Her voice was beautiful and being in her presence was a joy to all who knew her. My deepest condolences to you all. Rest easy Joan. Sing now with the Angels.
My deepest condolences Renee, Veronica, Gerald and Andrew, your mom was indeed a beautiful soul. We spent many years going for walks, though few could keep up with her for ver long. I could listen to her all night at the karaoke, what a voice, what a time!! It still brings a smile to my face.
Oh Joan, you will truly be missed my friend. And there is no doubt that you have gained your wings and is singing in the Masters choir. Rest Easy my Friend
Sending condolences to Renee,Veronica, Gerald and Andrew. Your Mom was or of the best. Cherish your many wonderful memories you shared together
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She was indeed a beautiful lady always there to help in anyway needed. I will always treasure the many times she came and shared her beautiful voice to our Choirs in our church and at the joint Ministerial at the Salvation Army for the food bank. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Rest easy dear friend.🙏🏽
Sending deepest condolences to Joan’s family. She was a great person. Always a smile and up for a chat.
My condolences to you all. Such an amazing tribute to your Mom and no words truer spoken. I have such fond memories of your Mom at all our sleepovers. ALWAYS happy, loving and supportive of the 4 of you. Sending love and hugs to you all
That was a beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady. My deepest condolences to Gerald,Renee,Veronica and Andrew. Your mom was one of Whitbournes finest. Always had a smile for everyone. My thoughts and prayers for all of Joan’s family and friends. 🙏🙏🙏
To Joan’s Family and Friends we send our deepest sympathy on the loss of one so loved. May she now fly with the angels as she was one of them. God bless you all and may she now rest in eternal peace.
Sorry very, very sorry to hear of your loss. Your words described her beautifully and truthfully. May you be comforted, as you travel this road without her, with all your beautiful memories of her.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory!
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom ! She will be missed .Joan was so kind hearted and happy.Sympathy and Prayers Renee,Gerald,Veronica and Andrew and her special friends .Sending love to all 🙏❤️
Eve &Doug
Joan was a wonderful lady. Sang with her in the choir at church as a teenager. Always such a positive and happy person! Sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.
Deepest sympathy to all of Joan’s family on her passing.Her life is one to be celebrated. Your mother was a kind and caring person who brought joy to so many through her visits ,calls and unfailing remembrance of all of our birthdays.Her life exemplified the saying that the joy you bring to
Other’s lives comes back to your own.Love of music has the power to unite.Joan possessed both of these gifts.In the words of a famous musician”Life & Love goes on.Let the music play.”
God rest her soul.. Peace, Perfect Peace.
Sorry we are unable to attend her service as we are out of province.
I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing, she was such a lovely person. She will be missed by many. Condolences to your family
My sincere condolences to all the family. You surely cherished your mom and I certainly know why! Such a beautiful tribute. I will always remember your mom and her kind ways. She sure will be missed. May your mom RIP 🪽
My deepest condolences to Joan’s Children, Grandchildren & family. The obituary was written with a great deal of insight and love. A true description of a beautiful, selfless woman who blessed many of us with friendship. In you she has left a beautiful legacy and will never be forgotten. Fly with the angels Joan and Rest In Peace.
Veronica & Family,
Sorry to hear of your moms passing.Thinking of you at this difficult time. May her beautiful memories be a Blessing.
Clyde & Valerie
Our deepest sympathy to all of Joan’s family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Renee, Gerald, Veronica & Andrew, & Family,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her well, as we were neighbour’s for many years. My condolences to all.