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
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Thomas Kyle
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Rosemary Symington Joy brought so much happiness to all of us! She will be deeply missed but always remembered for her kindness, sweet smile and for the love she shared with others. Treasure your memories, especially of her laughter! She raised an amazing family and we can see her in each of you! She was such an inspiration and weathered many storms with grace, strength and courage. We hope you will find comfort in the many happy memories you shared together. The love she felt for her family will never die. Please know that she is forever in our hearts.
With much love and sincere condolences from Rosemary Symington, Stephanie, Rebecca and Tyler, Maria and Hans Gapmann
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David and laurie LB and family… will always remember your Mom for her wonderful stories and the visits we had with her over our way and your way.. always a smile and loved how she embraced life.. hugs to all David and Laurie xox
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Susan Turnbull Caton and Clive Caton Arleigh, We were very sorry to learn that your mother has passed away. It was lovely to re-connect with her at Douglas House, however briefly, and that brought back many lovely memories at your family home.
Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
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George & Mary Marcyniuk We were so sorry to read that your Mom passed away. She was an amazing lady and we enjoyed having her as our neighbor for so many years. We still have her book of poetry in our bookcase. Please accept our condolences for your families loss.
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Donna Wilson Dear Arleigh, My condolences to you & your family. I remember meeting your mother on a few occasions when she visited you at the college, she was always so gracious. From what you have told me about her, and from reading her obituary, you have no doubt inherited your mother’s many creative talents, zest for life, sense of humor, and graciousness. May the fond memories you have of her carry you through this difficult time. Thinking of you! Donna
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Amelia and Dave Beiersdorfer Or sincerest condolences to all members of Joy’s family. She was
a good friend.
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Amelia and Dave Beiersdorfer Our sincerest condolences to the members of Joy’s family. Joy was a
talented and great lady.
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Jim Tucker I remember Joy’s smile, upliftedness and courage. She was a truly warm and compassionate lady. I was always so happy to see her – a model of her generation; wise, caring, poetic and humorous. A true “salt of the earth “person so rare nowadays. I know she will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences.
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Phaedra My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to you Jess, Eva, Evan, LB and Arleigh. I had the honour of knowing Joy almost my entire life. I’ll always remember the cute little matching outfits Nan would sew for us as kids, and the quilt she made for my baby shower. She was a caring, generous, kind and loving lady, an inspiration! May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
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Roxana Argast You were all very blessed to have each other. May your memories of your mother bring you smiles and comfort in the midst of your sadness.
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Sandy Thinking of you Lora-Beth, Arleigh and families.
Ron and I really enjoyed meeting your Mom on various occasions.
She was a wonderful, talented lady.
And such an inspiration, her positive attitude made others around her happy.
She will be greatly missed by all.
Love Sandy.
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Henny Rypstra So terribly sorry for your loss. Joy was a fantastic, loving, caring person.
I will miss her tremendously. We had good times together.Sincerely,
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Kim Feltham 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
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Bonnie and John 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
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Barry and Marilyn We are thinking of you dear Arleigh, and your family, and sending our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mother.
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Debbie Nordbruget 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.
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Adrien Brown 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.
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Jeanne Nielsen 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.
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Kat Hugs to you Arleigh. She was a grand lady
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Kat I only met her twice but she had a profound influence on me Rest in peace sweet lady. You were well loved
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Janina Wetselaar 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.
I was 11 years old when we moved next door to Rod and Joy’s beautiful home on the waterfront in View Royal. One day, Joy looked over the fence and asked me a question……. “do you want a job” she said.
Well……. I cut their lawns and worked in her beautiful garden for several years. She taught me so much. But the biggest lesson was her kindness. Joy was so kind and loving. I later went on to graduate from UBC in Landscape Architecture. I have my own design company and design projects around North America. I know I got my inspiration from Joy Trail when she asked “ do you want a job” ❤️
I always loved her, and send her daughters a big hug. Thank you Joy Trail for impacting my life in a truly special way.