Jocelyne Madoc Harris died peacefully in Victoria, BC on July 18, 2023, a few days after enjoying her 90th birthday party in the sunshine at Beacon Hill Park with her family.
Jocelyne was born in Carmarthen, Wales on August 1, 1933 to Edward and Christine Stephens. With her twin sister Veronica and younger brother Roger, childhood summers were spent on the beach at Pendine Sands watching their father compete in motor races. Educated at Malvern Girls School in England where Jocelyne refused the elocution teacher’s efforts to rid her of her accent (“I am proud of my Welsh accent”), she went on to train as a physiotherapist at King’s College Hospital, London, just as the profession was emerging.
Always ready for an adventure, Jocelyne travelled to New York in 1958 on the ocean liner ‘Media’, dining at the Captain’s table each night because she had successfully treated his wife. She worked as a physio in the USA before making her way to British Columbia, which had long held a fascination for her. Working in Kelowna with the Canadian Arthritis Society, she took time for a road trip in her Austin-Healey Sprite convertible to California and Mexico with a friend. In 1960 she moved to the newly opened hospital in Kitimat where she met and married Geoffrey Harris who had recently arrived from Wales to work for Alcan.
In the mid-1960s, with two daughters in tow, the family moved to Guyana where Jocelyne’s third daughter was born. Jocelyne and family returned to Northern BC and spent many years in Terrace where she devoted much of her time volunteering with her church and community groups. She retired with husband Geoff to Victoria in the 1980s and was an active volunteer with Christ Church Cathedral and other organizations.
Jocelyne loved nature and spent leisurely afternoons on forest walks, often with a sketchbook in hand. She was an accomplished pianist, avid crossword puzzler, and loved to discuss literature and history. Her life was defined by helping others and all who knew her were better for it.
Predeceased by husband Geoff, cherished twin sister Veronica and brother Roger, Jocelyne is survived by daughters Susan (Rick), Jill, and Caroline (Bruce), grandchildren Jason (Leonie), Drew (Anita), Alaina (Marty), Elizabeth and James, great-grandchildren Scarlett, Ronan, Rory and Owen, and beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will take place at the Lady Chapel, Christ Church Cathedral, on Friday, August 25 at 1 pm. Tributes, if desired, may be made to Christ Church Cathedral Music Endowment Fund.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Barbara Johnson
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Luke How we all loved Jo – the first resident in 1989 with her husband at our 1000 Park Blvd community!
So loved in all her Welsh, loving kindness and beaming smiles for her neighbours!
I caught this joyous infectious smile on camera the day Jill pushed Jo up our ramp to her birthday party across the street with her family in the Park.
We’ll miss her lilting, cheery hellos and warm smiles in the foyer.
God bless her and keep her – shriven of all mistakes, Home at last! Luke her neighbour
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Amy Lloyd Mrs. Harris was so very kind to me over my years being connected to the wonderful Harris Family. Caroline and I had many a tasty dinner together around their spectacular Sunday Roast table… something I desperately appreciated as a rather “on my own” teenage girl in Terrace in my grade 12 year. Her twin sister “Auntie Ronnie” and her family so sweetly offered me that same wonderful care and hospitality in Wales so many years ago as I tagged along with Jill on our travel adventures…. Identical loving women they truly were. And in looking at the pictures above it strikes me that Mrs. Harris’ sweet fun nature was so reflected in her bright sparkling grin, that same look I see also in her daughters’ beautiful smiles….
I will forever be grateful for having known your mother, Caroline, Jill and Susan and I send my deepest condolences to you all and your family.
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Shreddie Your mom was one of the kindest people I knew. I have many fond childhood memories but one that stands out was the menu she had for the kids. I loved how you could order your lunch off that. Of course her Welsh Cakes were fabulous as well. She gave the recipe to my mom, who made them often. Grateful she was able to see you all and celebrate her birthday before passing.
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Judith Ruff Auntie Jo I will be forever grateful to you for keeping our family connected over the years. Without you I would never have known my cousins and their families. You were beautiful inside and out. Your smile lit up the room. You gave every one you met kindness, you were always calm and your Welsh voice was a joy to listen to.
You will be missed by us all.
Forever in our hearts.
Judith. Xxxx
Dear Susan, Jill and Carol, I have so many wonderful memories of your mum. She was truly a special woman. I still remember the duck she crocheted for my sister’s baby. Then years later the baby booties hand delivered to the Mill’s Memorial maternity ward after the birth of my first two boys. I am so glad to have known this amazing person! My deepest condolences.