Ashley, Joyce Katherine
June 23, 1923- January 5, 2010
Joyce passed away on January 5 after having lived a very happy and fulfilling life. Shortly after Christmas, Joyce had a bad fall, and was taken to St. Joseph’s, where she received the very best of care and compassion. Her health improved steadily, but she suffered a setback on January 4, and died peacefully the next day.
Joyce was born in Vancouver on June 23, 1923. She was an only child, and adored her parents, William and Bertha McTurk.
Joyce married Peter Ashley in 1955, and they lived together in North Vancouver until his death from cancer in 1980. Joyce worked as a legal secretary in North Vancouver, and subsequently as a secretary at the District of North Vancouver.
In 1983, Joyce met Jack Davey. They began living together in 1985, and in 1994 they purchased a house on Hudson Road in Comox. Jack passed away in 1998. Joyce continued to live in the house until this past fall, when she decided to move into the Comox Valley Seniors Village.
Joyce’s great passion was dalmatians- a passion that began when she and Peter bought a dalmatian as a guard dog after a thief broke into their house. Joyce never looked back. She became a well respected dalmatian breeder and handler, showing her dogs as far away as Bermuda. She held various positions with local, regional, and national Dalmatian organizations.
Joyce is survived by her many dear friends, who were with her to the end. We will all miss her.
A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held on Thurs, January 21st at 11:00am from Comox Valley Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre 1101 Ryan Road. Courtenay.