17 June 2026
The St Mary’s Residential Care Home community is remembering resident Joan Gilbert with gratitude and affection, celebrating a life defined by kindness, generosity and a desire to help others.
One of Joan’s final acts of service was creating handmade bonnets and booties for premature babies after The Benevolent Society reached out to the St Mary’s community for support. With care, patience and plenty of love stitched into every piece, she lovingly created around 18 items to help some of the community’s tiniest and most vulnerable members.
The initiative supports The Benevolent Society’s Premmies Play & Learn Together Playgroup, which provides resources and support for families navigating the early stages of a premature birth.
Joan had the pleasure of welcoming Child Development Specialists Jodi and Samara from The Benevolent Society to St Mary’s, where she proudly shared the colourful garments she had created. It was a moment that reflected the joy she found in giving to others. For Joan, knitting was much more than a hobby.
A Life Member of the Women’s Auxiliary Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, she spent many years volunteering and knitting blankets for hospitals near and far. Creating something that would bring comfort and warmth to families facing difficult circumstances was a cause that was especially close to her heart.
“Joan’s love and passion for supporting others in the wider community will forever live on in the hearts of all those she touched,” said St Mary’s Lifestyle Team Leader, Anastasia Booth.
Joan’s contribution is a beautiful reminder that kindness can be shared in many ways. Through every stitch, she shared compassion and hope with families during an important time in their lives. Her legacy will continue to warm hearts for years to come.
