Passed away at Lynn Valley Care Home on November 22, 2016 at age 87. Predeceased by her husband Les Fowler (2013). She is survived by her son Stirling and daughter Carrie, as well as grandson Jesse. She as well, leaves behind her step-children Keith, Karen and Shannon and their mother – a very dear friend – Lorna.
Joyce was born in Vancouver and worked at the News Herald and BC Hydro before completing her teaching certificate and meeting Les Fowler. Together they built the 42’ sailboat Chimo-Chimo cruising the local waters (and wharves!) before settling permanent roots on terra firma – into a family home they built in Pender Harbour.
Her mind was second to none, driven by curiosity and keen desire for learning; she devoured books of all sorts, particularly nonfiction and was an astute conversationalist in the capacity of serious intellectual discourse on a wide area of topics except - as she would defeatedly admit- sports. She embraced the computer age with vigour. She also enjoyed gardening, playing her flute and alto sax in the local community and dance bands, as well as singing in the P.H Community Choir. She as well, devoted much of her time to numerous other community organizations – PH Legion, Jazz Festival Committee, Music Society, community policing, garden club, library to name but a few.
She enjoyed her many years substitute teaching at the Madeira Park Elementary and P.H Secondary School. Her twins often joked they only needed Dad in the classroom to complete a family quorum. Teaching resonated deeply with her. She was fascinated by geography and maps, so appreciated proper grammar, and had strewn all sorts of information for learning around the house (Kings and Queens of England, the periodic table, or countries and their capital cities particularly wherever you might peruse for a moment - even the bathroom throne! Certainly an unconventional mother and a trait for which her children came to realize, as one of her greatest charms. CBC radio was a fixture and tuning into its programs of worldly affairs, culture, art, politics, science and humour became an integral part of her daily routine so much so that to this day, its sound waves resonate a sense of home to her children. Mom was a compassionate soul and so loved her animals and garden cultivating perhaps many of her most beautiful and happy memories at her home.
Because Mom’s home was her sanctuary, a most treasured gift during her lengthy, slow decline with dementia belongs to the community of Pender Harbour who, by extending tremendous care and support to her, enabled her to live in her home for as long as possible giving her much happiness and a sense of inclusion and security. A huge thank you must be graciously extended to the PH choir members and director, IGA, HCC, volunteers, extended family, countless friends, neighbours and members of P.H (too many to list but you know who you are). You were all her guardian angels!
In keeping with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No memorial service will be held but a private family gathering to be arranged at a future time. A toast to her with eggnog (as her homemade version was sinfully scrumptious) would be a festive tribute to her.
And Mom - we won’t forget our LY’s at the end of our adverbs – we promise!