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April 8, 1923 – August 24, 2015

Joyce was born in Stalwart, Saskatchewan. She was the only girl and the eldest of four children. After spending many years in Saskatchewan, the family moved to Vancouver in 1941.

Joyce met her husband to be, Hugh Martin in 1943 when both were working in the Delicatessen Department at the Hudson Bay Co. They were married April 24, 1944. After honeymooning in Maple Bay, Joyce and Hugh moved to the Comox Valley to live next to the Comox Air Force Base, where Hugh was employed as a Radio Technician for the Department of Transport.

The family moved to Royston in 1956 where many happy years were spent raising their young family. Joyce and Hugh enjoyed square dancing at the local community hall. Joyce joined the United Church in Cumberland. Joyce loved flowers and had a large flower garden where ever she lived. In her spare time, she also enjoyed knitting, sewing and baking.

In 1963 they moved to Courtenay where Joyce became an active member of the Courtenay United Church. The church played a big part in her life. She was in charge of the Sunday services flower arrangements, She had a natural talent for floral arrangements and was often asked to do arrangements for weddings, Christmas, Easter and other special events. She also worked in the library and served on various committees. One of the highlights of her life was a church group trip to Israel in 1977. In the early 1980’s, their children now having left the nest, Joyce and her husband sold their home in Courtenay and moved to acreage in Dove Creek where they designed and built their retirement home. A large vegetable garden was planted as well as many flower gardens. Surrounded by the tranquility of nature and a beautiful man-made pond, both enjoyed country living.

Joyce’s husband , who had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, passed away on September 11th 2006. After 62 years of marriage, Joyce was left on her own. She was faced with many challenges and adjustments. It was hard, however she was determined not to leave their home. With the help and guidance of her family, Joyce managed to live for another five years in Dove Creek. Sadly, Joyce was diagnosed with dementia in April 2010. She moved into Assisted Living at the Comox Valley’s Senior’s Village in November 2010 . There soon came a time when she required more help and care. In early October, 2011, she moved into the residential care ward where she lived out the rest of her life.

Besides her husband Hugh, Joyce was predeceased by her granddaughter Kristin and her daughter-in-law Jennifer, brothers Bernie and Harry, and sister-in-laws, Nell, Margaret and Sylvia. Left to cherish her memory are her children Bob (Karen), Scott (Carol), Larry, Jeff and daughter Joyanne (Lyle Brown); grandchildren: Lisa, Bryan, April (Ed), Jason, Spencer, Nicolas and Alexandra; Great Grand children: Jeremy, Sarah, Mikaylah and Adaryn, her beloved brother Wes, plus nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Comox Valley Senior’s Village for taking such good care of their mother. They would also like to thank Dr. Desmond Konway, Reverend Ray Brandon for his many years of support and Joyce’s dear friend Joyce Dargie, for always being there.

A private service for the family has been arranged.



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