Lindsay Richards shared this beautiful memorial to Joan Granning at the BICA Annual Members’ Meeting, July 26, 2025.
I would like to first say that it is an honour to speak to the AMM today about Joan (her given name was Joanne) with memories and fondness of the time when she was a resident of the Bay of Islands, when I knew her. Joan died on July 9 this year at the age of 90.
To remember Joan Granning is to remember first her beautiful wide smile upon seeing you and greeting you. Joan was a gracious host and/or guest whether you were seeing her for the first time or the 50th time in a summer. Her warmth and excitement about starting and enjoying a new summer with you was always a source of joy for the recipient!
Joan began her role as a Bay Woman in 1957 with her husband Ron and her in-laws Ole and Lydia Granning. Ole established himself in the Bay as the fixer of everything and best neighbour to all in the Bay. Ron soon followed in his father’s footsteps and with Joan by his side they were strong and loving supporters of all things Bay of Islands. They opened their island and camp to all on numerous occasions which included BICA meetings, Family Fun Day and their own personal gatherings of family and friends.
On her own, Joan possessed a confident strength that was exhibited in her own accomplishments. Joan was a mother of three, a grandmother of ten, a great grandmother of 14, a magnanimous volunteer at home in Michigan and Florida and here in the Bay, an immaculate housekeeper, a gourmet expert in the kitchen, and a very accomplished artist. Her drawings graced the pages of Voices from the Bay 1, her paintings adorned the walls of the LaCloche Art Show for a number of years and she studied with noted artists through many years of learning more about her obvious talent through the eyes of other artists. Her paintings were often vivid with colourful flowers reflecting her obvious other passion, the flowers and greens that engulfed the Granning Island, as well as her love of flower arranging. The natural landscape was her domain in which she could express her love and respect for that landscape. There is no doubt that being a Bay Woman encouraged and nurtured her creative proclivities and we are all richer for being able to enjoy and appreciate her art.
Joan returned to the Bay every summer until the sale of the Granning Island in 2005. She was pragmatic about that sale. Her children and grandchildren did not visit as frequently in the summers and she and Ron felt that they could do other things. They took many trips to other destinations in their beautiful RV and once or twice came back to the Bay. But she admitted at one point that “not being an islander” offered a different experience with the Bay. Joan and Ron have enjoyed the warmth and friendships of their Florida home for many years since.
Joan was a woman who followed the words of deep religious faith. She also demonstrated and lived her faith through goodness, kindness and a fun loving nature. I am sorry if some of you did not know her. But there are many here today who would have a lovely Joan Granning story to tell you. Please pass them along if you have the opportunity …
she would love to know that her spirit is still here in the Bay… a place that she loved and where she was loved.
Bay Of Islands Community Association