WILTSHIRE, Joan
6.5.26 – 28.4.19
Formerly of Wangaratta. Passed away peacefully at Mercy Place Albury. Beloved wife of John. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Jeanette and Stuart. Loved “Mama” of Angus and Alex.
29
APR
APR
Comments
-
May 1, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to John, Jeanette and family. We drive past your old home and talk and wonder how you were getting on.
Marie Gleeson and Jan Lindsay. -
May 2, 2019
I have fond memories of my Aunty Joan; I knew my mum had a sister who had emigrated to Australia with her husband. She did have some contact by letter but never saw her sister again due to circumstances, money and her untimely death. I had some contact with Aunty Joan and from my mum passing away my contact increased through regular letters and lovely conversations on the telephone.
Aunty Joan invited me to Australia and I went out to stay for five weeks, this was one of the most memorable times of my life being able to Meet up with Aunty Joan and Uncle John and their family. On seeing Joan, it was just like a smaller version of my mum both physically and in her mannerisms, this really touched my heart. I will never forget their kindness towards me, they took me to all sorts of lovely places and would not take any money from me for the whole time I was there despite my protests. They had saved up to do this. I only wished my mum had been with me to meet her sister again. I have never forgotten this holiday and the bond I made with auntie joan and uncle john.
When I was aware Aunty Joan had become ill, I felt so sorry that this should have happened to such a lovely caring person and was so very upset. I did continue to write to Aunty Joan but she was unable to reply and I really missed our letters and chats.
I hope she now will be resting in piece and my heartfelt sympathy goes to her family
Love Trish and Duncan
-
May 4, 2019
In loving memory of Dearest Joan, who was always such a wonderful friend and support to Bernie and myself, and our two sons, Cameron and Scott. We all have fond memories of our visits and holidays spent at Swan St. Wangaratta and the love shown to us by John, and Joan.
To Dear John, Jeanette, Stuart, Angus and Alex, our heartfelt sympathy to you all as you say farewell to the very special Joan.
Phyl Dickens, Cameron, Marin and family, Scott, Kate and family.
Rest in Peace Joan. xxxxx -
May 5, 2019
I first met Joan Potter when I was a teenager and she married my uncle John Wiltshire. I enjoyed their company while they were in England and missed them when they left for Australia.
As family we stayed in touch over the years but I did not see her again until my husband Stan and I visited Wangaratta in 2006. She welcomed us with open arms and warm hospitality. We were thoroughly spoiled with our laundry all taken care of before we were even awake in the morning. Her meals were memorable and absolutely delicious. She told us many amazing stories about their six weeks’ voyage to Australia, landing in Melbourne and going to a settlement (Bonegilla) from which they were eventually sent to Wangaratta. There they put down roots for over 60 years. It was a special joy to be there to celebrate Joan’s 80th birthday. At the celebrations we met some of the people she had befriended over the years, including some from far-flung homes who had been able to go to school and work in Wang because Joan made them at home in her back veranda room. My daughter Jane and I visited in 2008. I was delighted that she and Joan could meet and get to know one another a little. Stan and I also visited later that year and had another wonderful time. Our last visit was in 2010.
During our visits Joan told me a lot about her life: How she grew up in the northwest of England and was in London during the blitz. She had fond memories of her time as nanny to Lord Denman’s children and how, on hearing her emigration plans, his son said, “I don’t want Joan to go to China!”
In Wangaratta it was a privilege to visit the places where Joan had worked and taken part in local activities and helped so many people.
I enjoyed her ready wit: Not least the story of the neighbour who greeted them on arrival in Wangaratta with the news that he was a J.P., to which Joan replied, “So am I!”
Joan lived a long life of caring for so many people. I shall miss her.
Joan’s niece, Susan
About the Author: