The family of Joan Heckbert, announce with broken hearts her passing on Tuesday (December 25, 2007) at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, with her loved ones by her side. She died as she lived, with dignity, courage and concern for others. Her adoring family was foremost in her life. Predeceased by her father, Harry R. Heckbert and her mother, Effie (Chamberlain) (Heckbert) Audet. She had three brothers, the late Bill Heckbert (Edith), Paul Heckbert (Louise) of Bathurst, and Fred Audet (Susan) of South Tetagouche and one sister Renée (Audet) Savage (Laurie) of Fredericton. She also had many nieces and nephews whom "Aunt Joanie" loved and cherished beyond words. Joan was born in Moncton. She moved to Bathurst from Sackville in 1946 and became manager of Sears order office. In 1949 she joined NB Tel where, eventually, she assumed a management position in Saint John as group chief operator and traffic instructor. She relocated, in 1969, to Newcastle, NB as chief operator and, the following year, returned to Bathurst as a Customer Service Advisor until her retirement in Dec. 1982. Joan had been a member of Golf and Curling Clubs and, most notably, a proud member of NB Tel Pioneers to which she was devoted. She so valued friendship and those she made at NB Tel remained until the end. She was also proud to be a "Red Hatter" and contributed as much as she could, considering her ill health. She spent her idyllic summers at her beloved cottage (Minnie's Mansion) on the beautiful Bay of Chaleur where she enjoyed many friends and family from near and far. Her love of people began at an early age and was returned ten fold. She took great enjoyment watching and tending to the care and feeding of gold finches, humming birds and mourning doves as well as the "rentals" in the mounted birdhouses. The beach was her "heaven on earth" and she loved every minute of the precious summers, inviting everyone she knew to share her treasured place in the sun. So many people will remember her pleasant and friendly ways, her kindness, generosity, her smile and sense of humor. She will live in our hearts as long as we live and many of us will think of her when we see a begonia and miss the card we would have gotten on our special day had she still been around. Friends are invited to join the family for a service at Holy Family church on Friday (December 28, 2007) at 11:00 a.m. Internment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. If desired, donations to the Children's Wish Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or another charity of your choice would be thankfully appreciated.