<p align="center"><strong><em>Joan Blanchard (nee: Samms)</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>September 14, 1956 – February 23, 2016</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Blanchard in St. John’s, on February 23, 2016  where she was undergoing cancer treatment. Joan was a loving mother to Tammy Drover(Terry), Alfreda Drover (Justin); grandmother to Cassidy, Jasmine and Cameron; sister to James, Gail, David, Genevieve, Shirley, Peter, Bernard and Nancy, as well Joan will be lovingly remembered by a large number of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Wilson and Yvonne Samms; siblings: Kenneth, Elizabeth, Paul; 2 grandchildren Faith and Wilson Drover.</p> <p> Joan was loved by so many, most especially by her family and co-workers, her Doctor who worked so hard to restore her health, and anyone else who knew her. She was a fighter and with that spirit she fought her diagnosis to the bitter end.</p> <p> Friends may visit Fillatre’s Funeral Home 218 Curling Street Sunday during the hours 2-4 and7-9 pm. In keeping with her wishes cremation will take place after the visitation and the funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 1<sup>st</sup>, 2016 at 2:00 pm from Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, Benoits Cove with Father Terry Boland officiating followed by the interment at the Church Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy flowers are graciously accepted or memorial donations may be made to a charity of ones choice.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em>"Rest in peace mom and grandma"</em></strong></p>