JOAN KATA KEENAN

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• I met Joan when my sister was pregnant back in 2016. I often went to appointments with my sister and loved seeing Joan and her outgoing personality and jokes. When I got pregnant i was hoping Joan could be my midwife, however when I asked about her I was told she was away on sick leave and I was told of her cancer. I got so sad, litterally felt like I had lost a family member. I’d ask about updates on her every appointment I had. With my second child I was hoping she would be my midwife. I was told she was getting better and she was working from home. I was so happy when I had a phone appointment this fast summer and she was the one who called me. I don’t think mount Carmel midwifery will ever be the same. - Posted by: Bethany (Client ) on: Feb 14, 2021

• I am so heart broken to hear of Joan's passing. She was my midwife for my first child back in 2016. I was so happy she got to be my midwife and she was hands down my fave, all though they all were great, everyone at mount Carmel knew she’s everyone’s fave. Not only did she deliver my son, she was the first one to see him, hold him, And cut his cord. I prayed my whole pregnancy she’d be on call at time of delivery, and she was. I had him the day before she left on holidays for a month. I couldn’t have done my pregnancy without her. Her smile made me happy, how greatful she was whenever I’d visit MCC and go say hi, every time I’d go I’d ask if she was there. Last I heard she was getting better so the news of her passing devastates me. I remember how helpful she was during my labor, and all my appointments were always best with her smile and laughs and encouragement! I couldn’t imagine ever having another child without her. She was hands down the best. She will always have a place in my heart for the things she did for my son and I. I constantly took him to see her as well at MCC where her face would light up and she’d give him toys and treats. I will miss her Hey Buddy and joy while I’m there. She rooted me on through my studdies and was so excited for all me and my son accomplished. I was hoping more then anything she’d recover so next time I have a child I could share it with her as well and I am sad I won’t be able too. Rest In Peace. The world lost a wonderful person. - Posted by: Kristin (Client ) on: Feb 14, 2021

• Joan was my midwife for my oldest son who passed away back when she first started her courier. She was also my midwife for my almost 2 year old daughter and my unborn baby. It brings true sadness to my heart Joan will not be here to say Hey Buddy to my new baby in February in person but I know she is with all of us and will continue to be with us for ever through memories. I only found out last week about her passing due to appointments being so far and few because of the pandemic. I know she is watching over all of us in spirit ❤ my deepest condolences to all her family friends and colleagues - Posted by: Sarah Lavallee (Patient ) on: Dec 12, 2020

• I talked to someone and discovered Joans passing. My heart is broken. I went into labor against epidurals. At birth I cried so much and would always start begging for any medicine. Joan would promise me medications after I shower. Each time she made me wait so long, my births were all natural. She was amazing and gave so much of herself. RIP. Gone but never forgotten. - Posted by: Marina Shusterman Havard (Met her in 2006 she was my midwife through three babies. ) on: Nov 14, 2020

• Dear Phil and Luba I was so sorry to read about Joan and her battle with cancer. She had such a sparkling personality and inspired all those she knew and met, including myself! The last time I saw her was in the Vagina Monologues, she was amazing on stage also! I pray that your hearts mend in time, you certainly will always have wonderful memories! XO Carla - Posted by: Carla LaBelle ( Ingleton) (Old friend) on: Oct 31, 2020

• Mount Carmel Clinic..We drummed and sang the Travelling Song the day Joan passed. She was so special to us all. To me Joan was the kindest, strongest woman I have ever known. Joan was” Hell, ya.. I can do that.. let’s do it“ ! She was so amazingly strong to keep learning during her illness and come back to work and be “ Joan”. Just as dedicated and funny. We miss her so much but are happy she had such a wonderful family and Matt to help her through this. Love you Joan! See you later Buddy! - Posted by: Linda Uhrich (Coworker) on: Oct 20, 2020

• I worked with Joan and Mount Carmel. Her presence there was a gift to her patients and colleagues alike. Always willing to help and support, and went above and beyond for everyone in her care. Her laugh, her positive attitude towards life and others and her beautiful energy was infectious. She will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved her. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us Joan. 💗 - Posted by: Andie Farrell (Colleague) on: Oct 20, 2020

• I had the pleasure of meeting Joan while working as a nurse on LDRP. I had the greatest respect for the way she sincerely cared for her clients. She had a positive vibe that made her so easy to work along side. Condolences to her family and friends. 💐 - Posted by: Jackie Brookes (Colleague ) on: Oct 20, 2020

• I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to work with Joan at MCC’s teen clinic. She was an amazing midwife, but more importantly an amazing person. She truly was calm and caring at all moments of knowing her, her clients and colleagues all loved her. I was so saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends, she will be very missed. - Posted by: Jennifer Vincent (Colleague) on: Oct 19, 2020

• I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to work with Joan at MCC’s teen clinic. She was an amazing midwife, but more importantly an amazing person. She truly was calm and caring at all moments of knowing her, her clients and colleagues all loved her. I was so saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends, she will be very missed. - Posted by: Jennifer Vincent (Colleague) on: Oct 19, 2020

• I worked with Joan for many years at Mount Carmel Clinic through the Perinatal program. She was a caring, compassionate and extremely capable midwife who was a joy to work with. Always a smile and readiness to help our clients and a love of her work and life in general that was clearly evident. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to her family and close friends. - Posted by: Jan Sprange (Former colleague ) on: Oct 19, 2020

• Dear Phil, Luba and Jack; There are no adequate words to express our deepest condolences to you all. We cannot imagine the grief you are experiencing with the loss of two people so precious to you. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Love Jen and Gene - Posted by: Jennifer Fulford and Gene Sacevich (Friend) on: Oct 18, 2020

• Joan was my midwife for both my children and I felt so connected to her throughout my journey. I can't imagine what her family is going through, but know that she brought a smile to so many people every single day and made such a difficult time for so many women that much better. - Posted by: Melanie (Patient) on: Oct 17, 2020

• Joan was a wonderful woman. She had a special way of letting you know that you mattered, that the women she cared for mattered. She would demonstrate this with her huge intellect and crazy wit. She leaves behind a group of friends who will try to take her courage forward. My heart is with anyone who knew and will miss her. - Posted by: Kelly Klick (Friend and Coworker) on: Oct 17, 2020

• Joan was an amazing midwife. As an OBGYN I loved receiving phone calls from her and sharing care of patients with her. She had such a positive infectious happiness and you instantly felt at ease around her. Anyone cared for by her was lucky she was in their corner. I will miss her calm happy nature and send my condolences to her friends and family. - Posted by: Amanda Morris (Colleague ) on: Oct 17, 2020

• Joan worked along with us at Teen Clinic MCC, providing youth with excellent care, extra TLC and was everyone’s Buddy. I will miss her voice, beautiful smile, jokes and words of wisdom. Our IUD Queen. We will always hear you “hey buddy” “dude” “well let me tell ya” Always so chill. You will be remembered and always loved, beautiful soul. - Posted by: Debra Austin (Co worker) on: Oct 17, 2020

• I had the very great honour of being one of Joan’s Midwifery instructors. From the get-go, her potential and skill and affinity for this work was so clear to me. Midwifery school can be a hard grind, and Joan persevered like a true champ. My deepest condolences to her family and friends - Joan’s loss is one that will be felt deeply, by everyone who knew her. - Posted by: Aimée Carbonneau (Colleague ) on: Oct 17, 2020

• Joan was a beautiful woman, inside and out! Her special presence at work was always appreciated. She had no problem expressing her ideas and opinions, a strong woman who stood by her convictions, She loved her clients and provided them with respectful midwifery care, honouring their choices throughout their journey. She will be missed by many. 💝💝💝 - Posted by: Gisèle Fontaine (Colleague) on: Oct 17, 2020