An achievement she was "flattered" by.
"I mean you don't do your work to get applauded, you get it from your self-satisfaction, so it's really neat to know that other people appreciate me.
"That's really what I feel, you don't often do that and you don't often pat yourself on the back, but you do what you have to do and I think that's just lovely."
It didn't take a second thought for daughter-in-law and Ahuriri Business Association president Amanda Sye to nominate the "worthy candidate".
"Joan is a giver, and I just wanted to give something back to her for a change and I know many in the community feel the same way," Amanda said.
"People like her operate under the radar and they're not in it to be thanked, they do what they do because that's the kind of people they are.
"I just feel that it really is that whole thing about her always doing things for other people; professionally, personally and so on."
In on the secret was son, Roy Sye, director of Education (Hawke's Bay/Tairawhiti) for the Ministry of Education.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Joan came to Hawke's Bay in 1971 with her three young children, Garry, Jill and Roy.
Upon arriving in the region, she trained as a nurse and wanted "to serve the population and give back to the country which has been good to me".
"I'm one of those people who was born to be a nurse and I have a sense of humour. I can work hard, and I'm reliable, honest and trustworthy and I think that those are the qualities that are pretty important."
During her time at the Flaxmere Family Centre, she came to know "most of the population of Hawke's Bay".
"I still do a wee bit of that because families still need help. So, I'm working, although I'm ancient, but there's a big need out there for good parenting advice and reinforcement."
In a career that has spanned just over four decades, a highlight is hard to choose.
Although, the idea of giving back to the community is one that she holds very close.
She loves "being with families and making them enjoy their parenting because kids are a hard job and nobody ever gives parents credit for what they do".
"They are very quick to point the finger when they don't do things right or the kids play up or something, but really all they need is some help along the path and knowing how to deal with it."
A few years back, she ran a three-year national study that involved interviewing thousands of parents, from all walks of life.
This study led to world-wide change on the best way to sleep newborns.
There is no stopping the mother and grandmother, who has still got a lot more love to give.