Joyce was born in Brighton Beach, England. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean as a newborn with her war-bride mother and Canadian military father. The marriage ended in a bitter divorce when Joyce was 8. (She saw her father once in 1954.) Joyce married her high school sweetheart Archie in 1938. It wasn't an easy start. Jobs were scarce so he joined the Canadian army and served overseas during WWII. (Linda was six years old before she knew her father!)
During the war years, Joyce drove a large box truck for the Salvation Army. She had many hilarious stories from that time! Before "Big and Tall" shops existed, she sewed shirts for Arch as well as school dresses for her 4 girls. (We girls were always well fed and nicely dressed.)
Joyce returned to work when Arch had a heart attack at age 36. Her mother moved into our family home to care for the newest baby, Susan while Joyce worked for Office Overload. Archie recovered, sold his trucking business and went to work as a salesman for GMC.
Kiwanis & Chippawa played a large part of their lives. Joyce was an avid member of both groups. She hosted many events and made lifelong friends through these affiliations. Other interests were bowling and curling leagues.
In 1971 when Archie "semi-retired", Joyce worked alongside him at the Royal Manitoba Yacht Club until 1978 when they emigrated to the USA.
In Florida, Joyce enjoyed a wonderful retirement with Archie and saw their 4 daughters and sons-in-laws immigrate. Family was the most important thing to her.
Joyce had 34 happy years in Florida. She lived in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Bonaventure, and Nobel Point in Pompano Beach. Widowed in 2000, Joyce lived another 12 years keeping active with family and friends. Eventually, she moved to John Knox Village where she lived in a lovely apartment. When she eventually needed assistance, it was a move into the skilled nursing health care facility at JKV.
We miss you Mom. Thank you for the special care and love you shared.
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