It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Marilyn Embree on January 30, 2026. Born in Arichat on May 14, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Theresa (Goicoechea) Skinner.

She is survived by her husband,  Brian Embree, of Port Hawkesbury; son, Christopher Skinner (Robin), Ottawa, Ontario; step-son, Shane; grandson, Gavin, Grande Prairie, AB; sisters, Shirley (Lionel) Sikora, Port Hawkesbury; Barbara (Robert) Fry, Pictou, NS; Maureen (Kevin) Sampson, Martinique, NS; Tracy (Glen) Randall, Evanston, NS; brothers, Charlie Skinner, Tracadie, NS; Harvey (Roseina) Skinner, Port Hawkesbury; Patrick (Cheryl) Skinner, Labrador, Nfld.; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Joan loved her weekends at Maureen’s and their trips to the Great Canadian Dollar Store in St. Peter’s. She especially enjoyed her sister/girls trips to Sydney, and using her iPad and paint-by-numbers app. She loved visiting and spending time with family and friends, especially her best friend, Wanda MacLeod. Joan absolutely adored her two trips to Cuba and always talked about wanting to go back one day. Her collection of elephants, Inukshuks and gnome figurines sparked many conversations.  Joan was definitely “one of a kind” and we want to honour her in the way that we knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #43, Port Hawkesbury from 3-6pm. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre or charity of choice.