Joy died in Hospice after a brief illness. She leaves behind her daughters, Lora-Beth and Arleigh, and her beloved grandchildren Jessica (Jim), Eva, and Evan (Lauren). Joy was predeceased by her brothers Arthur and Bill, her sons David and John, and her husband Rod.
Born Nina Joy Cooke in Edmonton post-World War One, Joy lived through the depression, married at the end of World War Two, and had four children in the baby boom that followed. She moved to Vancouver in 1941 and to Victoria in 1960.
Joy was a wonderful homemaker; she took great pleasure in producing nice things for her family and friends. She created beautiful clothes and crafts, delicious food, and a warm and inviting home and garden. These skills were used to help others as well, as she taught courses through community education. Joy was also active in local politics and community development.
Joy viewed life through the lens of a poet. She wrote prolifically all her life – poems, short stories, columns, and magazine articles. She was also an accomplished photographer.
A warm, kind, and generous person, Joy, will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 1:30 – 4 pm at the Pender Ballroom in the Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Victoria Hospice would be much appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
So terribly sorry for your loss. Joy was a fantastic, loving, caring person.
I will miss her tremendously. We had good times together.
Sincerely,
Dearest Arleigh and Family, your Mum had such gracefulness and a positive energy that is reflected in all of you. I’m so happy I knew her. It has been heartwarming for me to see how she took good care of you and you took good care of her. I hope to join you on June 16! Love, Kim
Our deepest sympathy to you Arleigh, Lora Beth and families. Joy lived a full life and accomplished so much. She was an continual inspiration to me. I have so many fond memories of time spent in your home growing up and visits as an adult. She has left a legacy and will always be remembered with love
We are thinking of you dear Arleigh, and your family, and sending our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mother.
Arleigh, my condolences to you, Evan and your family. Your mother was a wonderful woman and I am blessed to have known her and you. Big hugs and lots of love to you all.
Joy’s name was perfect for her as she had a joy filled spirit and celebrated life with all those who were blessed to come into her life. She had a generosity of spirit that I feel blessed to have been the recipient of. Even my Gypsy was blessed to have Joy take her our for lunch time walks in our neighbourhood. Gypsy adored Joy. I will miss Joy’s laughter and her stories. I grew to love her very quickly and thank her family for sharing Joy with me. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as they grieve her passing.
My deepest sympathies to all of your family on the loss of your beloved Mom and Grandmother. Joy’s name was apt, as she was a joy to know. I will always remember her kind and gentle ways; her good humour, intelligence and abiding love for her family. She will be deeply missed by many.
Hugs to you Arleigh. She was a grand lady
I only met her twice but she had a profound influence on me Rest in peace sweet lady. You were well loved
The end of an era has come for you all. The beauty of it is that your family will stay strong and loving from the teachings of your very special mother. Joy “spoke” to me in a very meaningful way, she was loving and proud and respectful of her daughters and grandchildren. I so much appreciated her thoughtfulness and her ability to be so welcoming. I felt good in her company and she left a mark on me. Thank you for letting me share a tiny bit in your beautiful family and I extend my sorrow for your loss.