Joan Louise (Noonan) Brathwaite, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 77 on Friday, August 2, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Joan was born September 11, 1946, in Melrose, New Brunswick, Canada to Frank and Doris (Stack) Noonan. She spent her early years in the small town of Dorchester, New Brunswick with her loving older sister Madelyn. After high school, her love for children led her to Fredericton to attend Teacher’s College at the University of New Brunswick. Joan taught first grade, initially in Dorchester, and then later in Moncton.

While teaching in Moncton, she entered and won the Miss Moncton contest of 1971. As a result of being Miss Moncton, she was given opportunities to serve others, this encouraged her to enter the Miss Canada pageant (as the very first representative from Moncton) later that year. Although she did not win the Miss Canada pageant, 1971 would continue to be a lifechanging year for her. It was in Moncton that year, while on a blind date through a mutual friend, Joan met the love of her life and best friend, Harry Brathwaite, and they were married in September the following year.

After a brief stay in Toronto, Ontario, Harry and Joan moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1973, and shortly afterwards they were blessed with two children, Joanna and HJ. The family relocated to Pennsylvania in the early 1980’s, and while living there, Joan enjoyed teaching again by leading a kindergarten class at church. In 1987 the family settled in Raleigh, the destination Harry and Joan selected to start Goodberry’s Creamery.

Joan lovingly supported her husband, in numerous roles, as they tirelessly worked together in the business, all the while giving so much of herself to her children. She continued working with Harry at Goodberry’s for thirty-one years, where she left an indelible mark on the company and on those who worked with her.

Her favorite moments were always times with family in Raleigh and extended family in New Brunswick, (especially at the shore in Grand Barachois). When not giving 100% of her efforts at work; she was an avid reader (specifically enjoying legal thrillers), loved traveling (particularly later in life with Harry and sister/sister-in-law and brother-in laws), and always enjoyed a good Maritime dinner. What brought her the greatest joy, however, were the simple moments shared with Harry and opportunities to offer her unending support to Joanna and HJ.

She will be remembered as Harry’s Gorgeous Sweetheart Joanie, Gracious Giving Mom, and Generous Loving Grammie/Nan. Those she has left behind have hearts overwhelmed with gratitude for the many years they were gifted with her presence, and her legacy that will always be treasured. She showed unconditional love, never-ending faithfulness, and how to go above and beyond in taking care of each other. She displayed grace in every situation and would show her mischievous sense of humor if the opportunity presented itself.

Joan leaves behind those she loved well, her husband of 52 years, Harry J. Brathwaite; daughter, Joanna (Jeff) Austin; son, H.J. (Ashley) Brathwaite; six grandchildren – Susanna Austin, Lydia Austin, Evie Austin, Isaac Austin, Henry Brathwaite, and Lena Brathwaite; and cherished nephews and niece, Greg (Jacquie) Ramier, Steve (Heather) Ramier, and Cathy (Trevor) Publicover. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; best friend and sister, Madelyn; and brother-in-law, Charles Ramier.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caregivers of The Cardinal at North Hills where Joan spent her final years.

A private family memorial service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Joan’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at alzfdn.org.