It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one at Hillcrest Manor, Musgrave Harbour on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Joan Rosalind Baker age 75 years of Carmanville, NL.

Joan is predeceased by her parents Nina and Ephraim Tulk; husband Kimber; infant brother Chesley; infant sister Blanche; great-niece Stephanie Kelly.

Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are her sisters Catherine Abbott of Carmanville and Doreen Goodyear (Maxwell) of Gander; brother James Tulk (Juanita) of Carmanville; nieces and nephews Sandra (Keith), Brent (Kim), Chris (Monica), Rodney, Terry-Lee (Lorne), Tina (Rob) and Lisa (Chad); great-nieces and nephews Chad (Emily), Aaron, Andrew (Alaina), Nolan (Mackenize), Sadie, Sophie and Ryan; great-great niece Nora; and a large circle of other relatives and friends.

A very independent woman who, like most widows, lived quietly in her humble and modest home. After moving back from Kentucky, USA, she continued to push forward and make the best of her life after the passing of her husband, Kimber (Ken) in 2006.  Many times, her family would question the hours that she spent alone, but she would only reply, "I'm not afraid. I'm okay. " She would often say, "There's nothing going to hurt me. " Part of her reasoning would have been " Who wants me anyway? " followed by a smile or a chuckle. The real truth, though, was what really mattered: her faith in God. Led by good values and a Christian upbringing, she always kept her faith. She attended church and Home League from a very early age, where she would participate mostly in beating the drums, leading a particular song or by doing whatever she could.

Although she didn't have any children, she sure had an abundance of those who cared for her well-being. Her independence was limited over the past couple of years as she continued to live in her own home. She always looked forward to her daily phone calls from her siblings and knew exactly when the phone was going to ring. The support she received from her family to remain at home was very important and appreciated. Her ability to stay at home was made possible by her home care workers and family who cared for her beyond measure.

With a gentle "nudge", she moved in to Hillcrest manor on August 13th while family were away on vacation for a couple of weeks. On September 8th, the day she was to return home, she felt that she hadn't been there long enough to really know if she liked it or not, so she said, "I think I'll stay for the Winter." We are so grateful for the loving care, compassion and tremendous support received from the staff and residents at Hillcrest, which is second to none. It made us content, and it certainly showed Joan's contentment. She passed away peacefully with the loving care that she well deserved and not alone. Thank you for being with her.

We are upset today, and she will be truly missed by all of us. But her modest home is now a mansion, and for that, we are grateful.

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver lined

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold

Though often tempted, tormented, and tested
And like the prophet my pillow's a stone
And though I find here no permanent dwelling
I know He'll give me a mansion my own

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound
I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold.

Visitation will take place at Stacey's Funeral Home, Carmanville on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 2 - 4 p.m. & 7 - 9 p.m.; Friday, October 3, 2025 from 2 - 4 p.m & 7 - 9 p.m.

Funeral service will take place on Saturday, October  4, 2025 at 11a.m. from The Salvation Army Citadel, Carmanville with Major Hedley Bungay officiating. Interment to follow at The Salvation Army Cemetery, Carmanville.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are gratefully accepted.