October 13, 1932 - May 9, 2020
Born in Soerabaja, Indonesia Joyce experienced a happy carefree childhood until the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. She spent her formative years between the ages of 8 and 13 as prisoner of the Japanese in a POW camp. When the war ended the surviving members of her family were re-united and moved to Holland for resettlement.
In her late teens she enrolled in secretarial school and then worked in a business office. Two years later she married Bob, himself a prisoner of war survivor of
the same Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, who she met at dance school and they emigrated to Canada in the early 1950s. Far from her family and friends Joyce bravely set out to make the most of her new life. Despite many personal challenges she became a good friend to many and a devoted mother to her son and daughter. After twenty five years of marriage Bob left and Joyce had to take on a new challenge as a divorced woman and re-entered the workforce as a kitchen designer.
Joyce struggled all her life with irrational fears and phobias but she had an under-lying sense of fun which often shone through. She was happiest when dancing, whether it be to Dixieland jazz, tango, or Zydeco music. She liked to be well-dressed and adorned with her rings and other treasured jewelry. She was always up for a fierce game of Scrabble or Bridge, drives to Stanley Park, or rooting for her favourite Formula 1 race car driver. She was always keenly interested in, and proud of all that her grandchildren were doing and accomplishing as they grew up.
Eventually Joyce had to move to a residential facility where she could receive 24 hour care. She lived at White Rock Seniors Village and it is where she passed peacefully. We would like to thank the many staff who provided care, compassion, and took time to offer extra comfort and friendship.
Joyce was pre-deceased by her ex-husband Bob and by her much-loved daughter-in-law Jane. She is survived by her brother Rob and her son Randy (Sally), her daughter Lindy (David), grandchildren Julie (Nick), Michael (Anna-Luise), Heather (Tommy), Erik (Ashley), and Dylan. Also by her great grandchildren Aidan, Sawyer, and Evelyn, and by her nieces Sharon and Monique (Grant) and four great-nieces, Miya, Callie, Hailey and Jordyn. She loved us all and we will all miss her and remember her with love forever.
Joyce's wishes were for a simple cremation and that her ashes reside with her children so that she could continue to be part of their lives. A celebration of life with family and friends will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes only that everyone reading this will live their life guided by love, peace, and understanding.