Joy French

October 14, 1927 - November 8, 2024

We sadly announce the passing of Joy French, wife and best friend to her recently departed husband, Douglas French and dear friend to many throughout White Rock and South Surrey. Born 14 October 1927 in Edmonton, London, England, she passed away peacefully, as she wished, in the comfort of family and friends on 8 November 2024 at her home in Ocean Park, Surrey, BC. She was 97 years old. She is survived by her son Richard and his wife Barbara, grandchildren Andrew, Nadine and Tracy, and great grandchildren Devon and Jillian. She was predeceased by her husband and her daughter Jill Staranowicz. Friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Joy's life on 10 January 2025, 1pm, at St Mark's Anglican Church in Ocean Park. The service will be followed by a reception in the church hall.

World War II and the London Blitz dominated Joy's childhood and required her to mature quickly. She and her sisters were early child evacuees. On returning to London a few years later, she completed school and secretarial and accounting training and went directly to work.

At 18, on her first holiday without parental supervision, she met Doug and her life's course was set. They married two years later. Joy and Doug celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary last summer. Their union is a testament to their abiding love for each other and for their family, friends, home and community.

Joy was a petite woman with an outsized strength of will. She had an infectious laugh, clear as a bell. She loved to laugh, dance, host parties and tell stories. She insisted on a daily happy hour and welcomed each evening -- literally right up to her final day -- with a Tanqueray and tonic or a Glenmorangie single malt scotch and Doug's cheesy biscuits.

Joy believed in physical fitness. She could do handstands well into her 70s. She loved walking along the front in White Rock and out to the end of the pier, usually cajoling Doug to walk faster.

She also had a serious and deeply religious side. She prayed with passion for friends and family. She came quickly to the aid of any friend who needed help. Her charity work spanned volunteering with St Mark's Anglican Church, the PEO and personal donations to local, national and global charity programs supporting women and children.

She also encouraged and supported artists across many disciplines. Her passion for the arts included music, ceramics, sculpture, painting, jewellery, writing, crafts and the home arts. She was a fixture with a ready wallet and open heart at arts fairs throughout White Rock and South Surrey.

In her final years, Joy was humbled by how blessed she was with family and friends who truly loved her and showed it not just over days but over many years. She discovered that she was surrounded by love and friendship she could depend on through her own health challenges and Doug's long illness.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Friday, 10 January at 1pm at St Mark's Anglican Church, 12953 20th Ave in Ocean Park. Friends are welcome to attend.