The family of Joyce Gibson (nee Greenhalgh) is sad to announce her death on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 in Victoria. She was born July 27, 1921 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Joyce was one of eight children in a close and loving family. She often told many wonderful stories of her childhood. The family lived in many small communities in Saskatchewan where their father was an Anglican Church Minister. Mom enjoyed volunteering, her friends, knitting, traveling and playing bridge. She especially loved her family and all the great times together. She was devoted to caring for her siblings in their later years. Mom moved to Victoria from Saskatoon in August 1989 making new friends and keeping in touch with her friends in Saskatoon. Joyce was predeceased by her first husband, Norman Noakes, in October 1964 and by her second husband, Douglas Gibson, in 1985, and nephew Easten Wayman. She is survived by her children, Jeff Noakes of Victoria and her daughter Joan Herron (Fred) of Saskatoon; two step-daughters Jane Birkbeck of Williams Lake, BC and Ellen Bartel (Don) of Clavet, SK; also grandchildren Clarke Ward (Denise), Adrienne Harder (Chris), Danny Birbeck, Pam Blake, Chris Birkbeck and Shaun Birkbeck (Celeste), sister-in-law Wilma Greenhalgh, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Joyce was the last surviving member of her family being predeceased by her father Canon A.E. Greenhalgh, mother Nancy Greenhalgh, sisters Mary Blower, Kathleen Wayman, Dorothy Greenhalgh, Winifred Paege, brothers Archdeacon G.H. (Harry) Greenhalgh, Archdeacon W.E. (Ted) Greenhalgh and Kenneth Greenhalgh.
A Celebration of a wonderful life lived by Joyce will be held at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Flowers gratefully declined, however, donations to a charity of your choice are appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
21 Responses
Dear Joan and Fred.,
The loss of your wonderful mother and closest friend is very hard to bear; my heart goes out to you. I have heard so many wonderful stories of your great times spent together; may these great memories help you through this difficult time.
My sincere sympathy, Shirley
To “Aunty” Joyce’s family, I want to say that I’m thinking of you at this sad time. She was our mom’s life-long friend from Avenue J in Saskatoon and I have heard wonderful stories of their time together. Mom picked Aunty Joyce to be my godmother and she was always so kind to me. I will miss her very much.
Joan & Families
I just read your mother’s obit in the Star Phoenix, in fact I recognized her picture before I read it. You have my sincere condolences, you will have many memories to comfort you. Although I only met her a few times, she always had such a pleasing nature that was very contagious.
Take care
Rose B.
To Joyce’s family
We hope you will find peace knowing Joyce is in a good place. We will miss her when next we take the Lodge widows out to the spring and Christmas luncheon. Joyce had a wonderful sense of humour and she was alway dressed elegantly when we picked her up. We really did enjoy her.
Carl and Shirley Bolger
Wilma
Thinking of you. Dear friend.
As ever.
Bernice.
I am so saddened to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a very special lady, filled with the joy of life which she passed on to all who knew her.
My deepest sympathy to Jeff and Joan and all of the family. You have some wonderful memories of mom and nana to share and cherish.
I was so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was such a wonderful woman. You have my deepest condolences. We will miss her very much at Dr. Cavers’ office. She was always a delight.
Joyce kindness and love went beyond her family and friends . what a great Great Lady, she was like a mother to our family. We will miss her very much.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts are with you.
It is hard to put into words what the heart feels, but our hearts are heavy and saddened with the passing of your dear Mum and forever friend to so many. As you gather together may you feel strength from the love she shared so freely with you. For those of us not able to be with you at this time, may you feel the warmth of our friendship embracing you all. With sympathy, comfort and friendship, Doug and Marilyn McLeay
Joyce was a wonderful friend to my mother, Marguerite Jickling. She was Mom’s best friend for many decades. They maintained their friendship across the miles through cards, phone calls and letters. Joyce was godmother to my sister, Patricia, and she took that role seriously, always acknowledging birthdays and special events. I know that my Mom holds Joyce in her heart.