Obituary of Joan McLean

The family of Joan Dianne (Dobrotinic) Gale Mclean are announcing her passing that occurred on April 4, 2025. Born on December 27^th, 1944, to the late Florence (Pearson) Gale and Louis Gale of Norton N.B. her childhood memories were about music song and dance with her musical family of 10 siblings, Louis, Rose, Charlie, Robert, Shirley, Marjorie, James, Bernice, Bill, Teresa.

Married to the late Allan Mclean (Sussex) and having 6 children, Danny (Cindy), Wiley (Brenda), Tony (Regina) Denise (Mark), Lisa, and Carla (Trevor) were everything to her. Along with her 13 grandchildren, Matthew, Corey, Nathan, Sarah, Kaylie, Wade, Jenny, Kyle, Valerie, Mike, Jessica, John and Dakota and her 14 great grand children Jacqueline, Miley, Jenna, Chavala, Chetley, Jocelyn, Curtis, Lucas, Jayce, Mathew, Austin, Erika, Jack, Myla (Pre-deceased by Brie Dalling, infant daughter of John Dalling and Maggie McFarlane, developing daughter of Val and Josh McFarlane), her world revolved around all of them. One could easily tell that after seeing the 300+ photos displayed throughout her home. Her every waking moment was spent with thoughts of love and worry for her entire family.

A determined woman to seek for truth, she recently found her siblings Donald Dobrotinic, Beverley Dobrotinic, Josephine Coppolino and Catrina Coppolino, from her biological father Josef Dobrotinic of Bribir, Croatia

Memories of her sweet voice singing songs of "Don't come home a drinking", "How far is Heaven", "Bimbo, Bimbo", "Penny Candy" to name a few filled the air as she kept her children and home safe warm and happy.

She would often say "I just can't seem to remember anything", yet she never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special event of her large family. No one was left out. She would go above and beyond expectations to attend every event held by family or friend.

Known for her generosity, kindness, honesty, compassion for others, and beauty inside and out, she was also known for not being just funny, but downright hilarious. She could bring laughter to any situation. Her unique and gifted way of bringing joy to a hurting heart.

To anyone who entered her home, she was eager to get the tea kettle out and everything she could grab out of the fridge to fill the kitchen table. There was never a shortage of options for snacks or a meal.

Not one to venture too far from home very often, she found contentment strolling her large lawn spotting four leaf clovers and giving a huge wave to any passerby. Always on the lookout for lost money and excited to scratch lotto tickets, wealth was never of great importance as much as sharing it with others was.

Christmas was her favorite holiday. When the first snowflake fell, it was time to hang tinsel and ribbons from the ceilings, Santas and snowmen covered the walls, wreaths and holiday doormats at every entry, greeting cards stuck to every cupboard door, barely room for a tea cup on the table filled with candy and sweets, and every corner filled with anything that sparkled and glistened for the grandchildren to play with.

A very patient and understanding supportive soul, this little angel will be missed dearly by all. May she rest in absolute peace knowing her children, her long-time companion Russell Whitehouse and entire family will hold her memory in their hearts and are forever grateful for the love and care she has given them for her entire life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) Visitation will be held from Calvary Church, 384 St. George Street, Sussex, NB on Wednesday April 9, 2025, from 12-3pm. A celebration of Joan’s life will be immediately following.

Donations in memory of Joan may be made to the IWK Children’s Hospital or Donors choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com