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April 3, 1921 - March 29, 2020
Joy passed away on March 29, 2020 at The Views at St. Joe's in Comox, BC just shy of her 99th birthday. She was born Josephine Grace Emily Walker on April 3, 1921 in Campbell River, BC.
Life Story: Joy was raised on a family farm called Homewood in Gowlland Harbour on Quadra Island, now Camp Homewood, and walked to a one room schoolhouse with her sisters in those early days. Her parents were committed to their daughters having an education, so they attended Queen Margaret's Boarding School in Duncan and then they moved to Vancouver so their 3 girls could attend UBC. Joy graduated with a BSc in Agriculture and worked in Summerland's Experimental Farm before marrying Don Huntley in Oliver BC in 1946.
They moved to Homewood in 1951 with 2 small daughters. Joy was adept at making ends meet and adapting to new homes. They moved a great deal over the years, while having 3 more daughters, living in many homes in the Campbell River, Comox Valley, Quadra Island area as well as some time spent in Whitehorse in 1956. In 1962 they lost their eldest daughter Christine while living in Comox. Joy and Don worked together running the Upper Islander Newspaper, a construction business, and a waterfront resort while raising their 4 daughters. Joy was hardworking and dedicated to balancing work and family. Any free time she had she spent, gardening, exercising and being of service to others.
In 1975, with children grown and separated from Don, she started a new life in Victoria. From 1978-1988 she worked as a house-mother at Queen Margaret's Boarding School in Duncan caring for many girls who were far from home. During the school holidays Joy travelled all over the world, as well as to visit her daughters and family.
After retiring she stayed busy in her large garden which she enjoyed as well as hiking, travel, photography, knitting and crocheting beautiful keepsakes for her family and also to give away to anyone who needed something. As well she gardened for others and volunteered for Parents in Crisis in Duncan. At 80 she gave up her car and moved to Kiwanis Village in Courtenay walking everywhere with a backpack to carry her groceries. She was an active member of St. George's Church, reading the minutes and volunteering at the Food Pantry until she was 92.
With the support of her daughters and their families, she remained as independent as she could, keeping everyone entertained with her fast pace and quick wit. She enjoyed much contact from family in her last months and reminiscing about her beloved Homewood. She left us quickly and gracefully, so in life as in death. She will be missed by all who knew her, most of all her large & loving family.
Predeceased by: her eldest daughter Christine Gail Huntley, her sister Phyllis King, and her former husband Donald Albert Huntley.
Survived by her sister Ursula and her four daughters, Irene Huntley, Annie Rousseau, Kluane Bickerton and Lorraine Huntley, as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
While we are in this season of social distancing there is no memorial planned. The family is hosting video chats with friends and family to celebrate and remember her life. They request that anyone wanting to make a donation in Joy's name please make it to St. George's Food Pantry & Sonshine Drop-in.
For all that knew Joy you will find her when caring for a garden or in service to others. We will always have Joy.


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