Joyce (Joy) Evelyn Lightbody (nee England) died peacefully surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Keith; sister, Claire (Oskar); children, Kathy (Gord), Janet (Tej), Jim (Jackie), Karen, Ken; grandchildren, Matt (Cloe), Karly, Lauren, Dylan, Jenna, Sam, Wesley and Spencer; great grandchildren, Bridget and Dryden and niece, Carolyn.

Joy grew up in Montreal. In 1954, she ventured to Vancouver to see her Alouettes play the Lions in the Grey Cup. She was convinced to stay and work for a former boss at Sperry Gyroscope.  In 1956, she met Keith, the love of her life. She loved telling the story of how she was dared to ask one of those handsome men at the next table to dance. Luckily, she chose Dad. They married in 1957 and moved with newborn Kathy to Victoria in 1958. In quick succession by 1964, they had 5 children. Despite the number of us, she was able to make each of us feel special – and made sure everything was equal.

lighbody,joyce- web 1Mum had boundless energy and you’d never see her sitting. She sewed and knitted her daughters’ clothes with matching ones for their dolls. “Mrs. Lights” was an ardent fan at all our sporting events. She proudly celebrated our triumphs and gently consoled our disappointments.

Mum was never afraid of hard work. In 1967, she started part-time work in the children’s wear at Simpson Sears where she often counselled new mothers. She continued working for 15 years.

Mum and Dad always enjoyed themselves and were the ultimate hosts of many parties at their home or hotel room. In 1984, Keith retired and they began to travel. They went on many cruises and trips around the world with their involvement through the Shriners and jazz festivals.

Mum was a fighter. She survived a premature birth that the doctor proclaimed, “What a precious Joy.” She lost her eyesight for about a year when she was young.  She lost a lung to cancer in 1982, had two artificial hips, other cancers and health issues.  Throughout her illnesses, she remained positive and courageous. Whenever she met anyone, she would always say, “I’m dead on the left side – no hip, no lung, and no eye.”

Mum had a love for all animals, especially dogs that loved her back. She even taught our budgies to talk. She took great pleasure watching the birds, mostly the hummingbirds, feeding outside.

She was a generous, thoughtful classy lady with a great sense of humour. We will miss her so much, as she was the heart and soul of our family.

The family is thankful to the caring staff at the 8th Floor South RJH for making Mum’s last days comfortable and to Anita Dennett for doing Mum’s hair.

In lieu of flowers, donations to any wildlife or health agency would be an appropriate way to celebrate Joy’s love of nature and giving.

A Celebration of Joy’s life will be held at the Pro Patria Legion #292, 411 Gorge Road East on Sunday, August 28th from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Irene Robertson

    Dear Janet and Keith – Deepest sympathies to you and your families upon Joyce’s passing. My childhood memories are of a warm and loving person with a wonderful laugh. I know Joyce will be missed by many. Take care and best wishes, Irene (Rene) Robertson

  • Shirley MacFarlane

    Sincere condolences from Clan MacFarlane (Stuart, Shirley, Kim and Kenny).
    We truly enjoyed sharing times with Joy at the soccer games and many nightcaps
    after the games. Will never forget watching the sun come up and Joy was going
    to make breakfast for all of us. What a gal!! Thinking of you Keith and the
    family. See you on Sunday afternoon. Always, The Mac’s

  • Terry R Landry

    The Legion of Honour Shrine Club #38 offer our deepest condolences to Keith and the family.
    Yours in the faith,

  • Karen Rennie

    To Keith and family, we extend our sympathy in the loss of your dear Joyce. What a very fine lady she was. My parents, John & Olive Radley, who have both passed on now, thought very highly of you both and spent many happy times in your company.
    Sincerely,
    Karen & Dick Rennie

  • Brian Alexander

    Condolences from the Alexander family. Growing up as a friend of the Lightbody family, Joy was one of my “other Moms” and she was always so good to me.
    Joy was always supportive and encouraging and god bless her, understanding! It couldn’t have been easy for her dealing with 5 kids and all their friends as we all went through those teen years. Everyone was always welcomed at the Lightbody household and I fondly remember the times spent at the kitchen table eating cookies (“More cookies Brian?”) and talking with Joy. She spoke to us like a friend and gave us the benefit of the doubt that we were mature young adults and treated us that way. And she had just enough Mom type advice to keep us in line.
    Please know the love and respect for Joy reached far outside the Lightbody family.

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