Ross, Mary Joan

Sydney, NS

July 19, 1947 - January 21, 2026

With heartfelt sadness and deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Joan Ross Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 19, 1947, in Port Saunders, NL, she was a daughter of the late James and Rita (Coles) Gould.

Mom lit up every room she entered with her beautiful, contagious smile. The special mother/daughter bond that she and Shelley shared was based on a lifetime of laughter and amazing memories; the truest form of love that can never be broken. She took extreme pride in her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend.

Joan loved a good kitchen party while Barry played guitar and she sang along with him. She had a career that spanned over 50 years as a lab technician and later, blood collections.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by the love of her life, Barry Knott; sister, Debbie Arsenault; brothers, Joseph and Jamie; and Shelley’s father, Allison “Junior” Ross.

Joan will be forever missed by her adoring daughter and best friend, Shelley (Jason) Noseworthy; Barry’s sons, Justin Knott and Jason (Holly) Knott, who she thought of as her own sons; grandchildren, Sadie, Josie and Leo Knott; and her fur grandbabies. She is also survived by her sister, Kim Gould (Ron Hiscock), Sydney; brother, Gerald (Luanne “Lulu”) Gould, New Waterford; sister-in-law, Mae Gould; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A special thank you to the staff of the Cove Guest Home (Skylight Unit) who showed love and compassion to mom each and every day. To mom’s special angel, we will be forever grateful for your kindness over these past few years.

Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Saturday, January 31st from 12 - 2 p.m. followed by a service in the chapel at 2 p.m. with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Cove Guest Home or to a charity of your choice.

“See a later alligator. Until we meet again, Mom”

Joan Ross