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Joycelyn Jane (nee Firth) Giles

August 29, 2010

GILES, Joycelyn Jane (nee Firth)

December 14, 1934 ~ August 29, 2010


Joy's family sadly announce her passing in Comox, British Columbia on August 29th. Joy was predeceased by her brothers Robert and Stuart and also lost her eldest son Paul in 2008. She is survived by her brother David (Barbara) Firth of London, Ontario. She leaves her husband Peter of Comox, B.C., daughter Janis (Ron) Dobson of Brussels Belgium, sons Michael (Alison) of Ottawa and Edward (Dawn) of Winnipeg. Joy was much loved by her eight grandchildren Sarah, Rachael (Paulo), Peter, Keaton, Karlyn, Austin, Harrison and Nick.


Joy was born in Sarnia and grew up in London where she attended South Collegiate and London Normal School before taking a teaching position at Mountsfield Public School. She was very active in girl guides and sports throughout her schooling and was also a Playground Supervisor for many years.


Following her marriage to Peter in 1955, she moved across Canada from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and also spent six years in England, Scotland and Germany. She nurtured her four children during this period and still found time to teach in BC, Quebec, Toronto and Ottawa. Joy was an avid gardener and enjoyed quilting, knitting and sewing. Joy loved to travel and made many trips all over Canada, the US and Europe touring and visiting friends and family.


Joy and Pete retired to Comox on Vancouver Island in 1991 and continued to travel and visit granchildren until her illness confined her. A sincere thank you to the staff of the Special Care Unit, Glacier View Lodge for their dedication and compassion. Joy was a very special lady, wife and mother and will always be with us.


A Celebration of Life will be held at the Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC at 1pm on Saturday, September 4th. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to the Glacier View Lodge, 2450 Back Road, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 8B5 or the Canadian Alzheimer's Society.



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