It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Joel Mawhinney, Riverview, after a brief courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Saint John, he moved to Moncton at the age of 9. He was the son of James Gordon Mawhinney and the late Muriel (Richardson) Mawhinney.

Joel graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Education and later received his Masters of Education in School Administration from the University de Moncton. He started his career at Queen Elizabeth School as a Behaviour Adjustment Teacher and then moved to Beaverbrook School as a classroom teacher.  From there, he followed his dream of becoming a school administrator.  This led him to being the Vice-Principal and then later the Principal at Claude D. Taylor School in Riverview. Joel finished his career as the Principal of Evergreen Park School in Moncton.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Brenda (Colpitts) Mawhinney-Riverview; his father, James Gordon Mawhinney- Riverview; his brothers and sister, Gordon (Cynthia)- Saint John, Jane (Nick) Franklin, -Halifax, Jonathan (Jane) Mawhinney- Moncton; his two cat companions, Bella and Cadbury; many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother Muriel (Richardson) Mawhinney and his sister Jennifer (Mawhinney) March.

Joel was kindhearted and non-assuming. He worked quietly in the background to make the learning environment the best it could be for students.  Joel enjoyed spending time cooking and experimenting with new recipes. He was an avid reader who enjoyed a wide variety of genres. He loved gardening and enjoyed anything related to nature. He challenged himself on a regular basis to complete the daily crossword puzzle. Joel was instrumental in organizing family gatherings and thoroughly enjoyed the annual gatherings.

Special thanks to his family doctor, Dr. Marie-Josee Breau, for her excellent care over the years, the Oncology Staff at the George Dumont Hospital and the staff at Albert Hospice.

Memorial donations in Joel’s memory could be made to the Moncton SPCA or the Hope for Wildlife in Nova Scotia.

A graveside service will be held at Stilesville Cemetery in Stilesville at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cobb’s Funeral Home in Riverview.

"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts."

                                                Gandhi