GREGORY Joyce (nee Thorburn) passed away peacefully at home in Courtenay, BC on March 8, 2002 surrounded by her devoted family. Joyce was born March 31, 1931 in Timmins, Ontario. She is survived by her loving husband Peter; their five children, Janet (Jean Gauthier), Jennifer (Terry MacLean), Jonathan, Jillann (Brad Patchett), and Matthew (Jackie Wilson); nine grandchildren, Laura, Scott, Amanda, Taylor, Caillie, Travis, Maria, Jessica and Noah; a sister, Pixie (Michael Beardsley); a brother, Russell (Dorothy); an aunt and uncle, Murial and Gordon Morgan; a sister-in-law, Carol Gregory McGinnis; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In 1949 Joyce moved west to Salt Spring Island, BC. In 1953 she was admitted to the School of Nursing at Vancouver General Hospital where she distinguished herself by winning the Award for Obstetrics and was valedictorian for the 1956 graduating class. Later Joyce joined Trans Canada Airlines as a flight attendant serving throughout Western Canada.
In 1958 Joyce and Peter were married in Vancouver making their first home in Edmonton. When they returned to Vancouver Joyce devoted herself to making a home for Peter and their five children. Friends and relatives were always welcomed to join in her family’s many activities including skiing at Whistler, horseback riding in the Caribou or sailing in Desolation Sound. Joyce also took an active role in her children’s education, committing time, effort and resources to their varied interests. She was instrumental in the planning and development of the Mountain Inn, Whistler’s first full service hotel which opened in July 1982. Joyce and Peter moved to Courtenay in 1992.
Joyce set an example for all by living the faith she believed in. Her spirituality determined the path and every turn in her life’s journey. Above all else Joyce was a cheerful happy joyous generous person. Her friendly hand was extended to anyone in need. Joyce will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family is forever grateful to “Auntie Kay” Stratford of Naramata, BC, Joyce’s best friend and VGH classmate, whose bedside nursing and constant loving devotion to Joyce helped us all through our most difficult time.
Thank you Dr.Naaykens, the nurses and the home support staff, Brenda, Kerry and Lindsay.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday March 15, 2002 1:00pm at Christ The King Church, 1599 Tunner Drive, Courtenay BC, followed by a reception in the Church Hall. A Memorial Celebration Mass will be held on Monday March 18, 2002 1:30pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2465 Crown Street, Vancouver BC, followed by a reception in the Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joyce’s name to The Franciscan Sisters of Atonement, 385 East Cordova St, Vancouver BC V6A 1L4 (604) 685-9987 or to The Salvation Army, P O Box 3433, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N5 (250) 338-8221.