McCAIN, Joyce Catherine - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Joyce Catherine McCain on December 31, 2010. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Peter McCain (1997), and her beloved brother Michael Wickham (2009). She is survived by her sons Maurice O'Brien (Kitchener-Waterloo), Stephen O'Brien, Luke McCain and John McCain (St. John's), and by her siblings Justin (Jessie), Charlie (Margery), Diane (Richard) and sister-in-law Phyllis. Joyce was born in 1952 in St. John's, Newfoundland. She acted as manager of Christians Bar before moving to New Brunswick with her future husband, Peter. She returned to St. John's after the death of her husband, becoming involved in the various activities of St. Bonaventure's College - the school her two youngest sons attended - and continued her work as Director of the Harrison McCain Foundation. She was an enthusiastic yet inconspicuous supporter of local art and culture; and an especially passionate proponent of the annual Woody Point Writers Festival, never hesitating to offer her lodgings to any attendee in need. She walked her first marathon at the age of 50 in Dublin, Ireland, and repeated the feat some years later. She was a fearless traveller and a voracious reader. Her love of conversation was well known and she was as comfortable discussing ancient philosophy as she was local politics. She had a wide range of friends, and was always willing to extend a helping hand to any of them. She was an active champion of the underdog. We cannot recount all of her good deeds because they were solely between her and the recipient. She loved Newfoundland almost as much as she loved her family. She maintained a very active social life, with an extensive network of friends and acquaintances. She was always willing to extend a helping hand to a friend (or stranger) in need. Visitation will be on Monday, January 3rd from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, January 4th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Carnell's Funeral home, on Freshwater Road. Funeral Services will take place at St. Pius X church on Wednesday, January 5th at 9:30 a.m. We would like to extend a special expression of gratitude to all of Joyce's close family and friends who gave their loving support throughout her illness. Donations can be made in Joyce's name to Friends of Writers at Woody Point, PO Box 290, Norris Point, NL, A0K 3V0. To sign the memorial guest book or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com