January 25, 1931 - April 25, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Joyce passed away peacefully in her room at Cumberland Lodge at the age of 92 years on April 25, 2023.
Predeceased by her husband Ray in 2011, after 58 years of marriage, and son Kirk in 2012, she is survived by her sons Dean (Denise), Brent (Dimitra), daughters Lori (Brian), and Tracy along with 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Joyce was the youngest of 7 children, born in Sible Hedingham, Essex, England in 1931. As a young girl she worked in the family owned Carter Stores with her parents and two brothers during World War II, while her eldest two brothers and two sisters served in the Royal Navy and Army.
She was thankful and relieved that her siblings returned home after the war and in 1947 she immigrated to Canada with her parents and two brothers while her four eldest siblings elected to remain in the UK.
Joyce's move to Canada began on the family farm in Stettler, Alberta before moving to Kamloops with her parents, where she worked as a stenographer in the local courthouse. A courtship soon followed with Ray and marriage in 1952, and then one last move to settle in Victoria with Ray, two young sons, and her parents.
Joyce had a busy life in Victoria raising five children while working with the Superannuation Branch of the Provincial Government and then as a book-keeper with the Cubbon Adult Day Care Centre. She was an avid reader, gardener, piano player, and challenged herself with crossword puzzles and conventional puzzles. Rummoli games on New Year's Eve with family and friends became an annual tradition that followed her from Kamloops.
In her retirement years Joyce enjoyed knitting sweaters for her grandchildren, travels with Ray on their sailboat throughout the Gulf Islands, trips to visit family and friends in England, and weekends camping with the Good Sam Club.
Joyce re-located to Comox from Victoria in 2012 to be closer to family before her final move to Cumberland Lodge. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Cumberland Lodge for the care and support that they provided in her final weeks.
No service at Joyce's request. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society.