Obituary of Joan Elizabeth Delia (Smith) Gorham

With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our beloved mother, who passed away peacefully at Hospice Fredericton on February 27, 2025.

Born in Saint John, NB, on January 24, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Edith (Beamish) Smith, and cherished stepmother Mildred (Totten) Smith. Survived by her dear sister Doreen Earle (Darrel). Joan was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Frank Creighton Gorham.

Joan grew up in Saint John and graduated from Simonds High School. She began a career as a stenographer and bookkeeper, with a love for shorthand and writing. She later worked alongside Frank at Dempster, Smith and Gorham Ltd., and after moving to Fredericton, she became Executive Secretary to the Dean of Students at UNB. In retirement, Joan and Frank founded The Carriage House Inn, where she became the "Queen Bee" of innkeeping, known for her warmth and legendary hospitality.

Music was Joan’s lifelong passion. She and her sister sang at Central Baptist Church as children, and she later performed with her father at Grand Bay Baptist Church. A gifted vocalist, she graced the stage in The Gypsy Baron in Saint John and had the honour of performing on The Uncle Bill Show and Don Messer’s Jubilee. Joan and Frank were founding members of the Skyline Acres United Baptist Church, where their faith was deeply rooted.  For Joan, gospel music was the truest expressions of her faith, a gift that brought joy to many.

A woman of many talents, Joan was an avid reader who very likely had read any book you recommended. She was a fiercely competitive Scrabble player. Mom kept endless lists, and lists of lists, ensuring that no details were missed. She was a devoted and meticulous collector of photographs, capturing moments both big and small.  Joan’s creative spirit extended to her love of cooking, knitting, needle point and painting. Her hands were rarely still. Joan loved fishing and shared that love with her children, she often wished she had found more time to cast her line and enjoy the water.

She leaves behind a large and loving family: her children Peter (Raymond), Tracy (Tony), Joe (Verna), Stephen (Lisa), Nathan, Mark (Valerie), Jason (Brenda), and Matthew (Jennifer); grandchildren Katherine (Jeff), Alex (Jessica), Tessa (Victoria), Tom, Jacob (Alysha), Danial, Gwen (Lukas), Anna, Zaidee, Zane (Alisha), Ashley, Travis, Gabriel, Michael, and Sam; and great-grandchildren Kaleb, Addy, Isla, Rose, Sylas, and Easton.  She will also be dearly missed by her sister Doreen, extended family, and many dear friends.

Joan’s family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary care she received at Farraline Place and Hospice Fredericton. The kindness and compassion of the staff and caregivers provided comfort and dignity in her final days. We are grateful for the warmth and support provided.

Following Joan’s wishes, a celebration of her life will take place this summer with visitation at McAdam's Funeral Home in Fredericton on Friday, July 4, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service and interment will take place at St. James Anglican Church, Long Reach, NB, on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 2:00 pm, officated by Rev. Paul Smith.

For those who wish to, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Farraline Place, Hospice Fredericton, or St. James, Long Reach Parish of Kingston (3365 NB-845, Long Reach, NB, E5S 1W7).

Joan’s kindness, hospitality, and love will remain in our hearts forever.