/… 3

But it was your pure “Joycefulness” that will help sustain us in times of missing you.

You filled your life and your life was full.

A true woman of substance. 

The last of Treverton Park’s original pioneers, your children, including sons and daughter-in-law, and grandchildren take solace that you left 17 Oakworth Crescent, your family home of 69 years, on your terms and to your last breath.

Mom, did I tell you today that I love you!

Please raise your glass,

“The taste of an angel’s kiss, to Mum”

Joyce Isobel Durban née Watters was the epitome of a proud Irish born Canadian mother; equal parts gentle protective matriarch peppered with a Banshee’s disciplinary hand. 

I am so blessed by her upbringing and honoured to be one of her four cherished children. We are all very house and garden proud because of your meticulous training.

Dearest Mum, you loved and nurtured your ever growing family across Canada and down to Australia with fierce and selfless dedication through fair and generous parenting; passionately guided by your unwavering Catholic faith.

Your determination to do things your way was inspiring and steadfast. Your strength of character, forthright stand on matters important to you, your personal grace, adventurous culinary skills and impeccable entertaining style are your indelible trademarks.

Expounding on the latter, there were countless happy celebrations enjoyed by family and friends through the welcoming front door at the Durban’s. A few standouts being; 

- Mum’s amazing Avonlea bonspiel buffets for out-of-town curling guests
- In 2002 at the age of 75 Mum played “Hostess with the Holy Ghostess” billetting international young delegates for “World Youth Day” to see his Holiness Pope John Paul the II in Toronto
- The Ukranian food stall Mum and Dad cooked for, dressed in authentic costume and operated at the St Maria Goretti multi-cultural parishioner festivals
- Backyard BBQ bonanzas 
- And my favourite, Mum’s family Thanksgiving feast.

Mum, your cheeky good humour and enjoyment of a drink and a dodgy joke will forever sparkle in ours hearts and heads.

/…3

Eulogy by Daughter Donna Marie on Wed Jan 3 at Visitation evening:

Thank you Jerrett Funeral Home from Carol Ann, Paul, Michelle and myself for your compassionate execution of Mum’s funeral wishes; regally dubbed “Operation 40 Creek”!

In the next few moments I will try to encapsulate the essence of our beautiful Mother.

We all come to that moment in our lives when it is time to say goodbye to an irreplaceable loved one. And although it may be the right time; the pain of letting go never feels right or timely. Selfishly I was hoping that Mum would “hang in there for an old girl” just a little bit longer for me to get and give one last hug, but the time was right for Mum to rejoin Dad… a better place to be.

Mum’s life won’t end with her passing.
How we hold her smile and warmth in our hearts will carry her forward in our lives.

Tom and I and our 3 sons; Henry, Mark and William, are grateful for the many trips Mum and Dad made Downunder to share our family life in Australia.

But a simpler and more intimate memory of Mum and me was 8 very special Thursday nights in the winter of 1976. 

I was working after school at the Golden Mile Dry Cleaners at Kennedy and Eglinton. At 9pm I would dash home in the snowy dark to find my hot plated dinner waiting (if I was lucky it was Shepherd’s Pie) and Mum downstairs ready to watch the next installment of the tv mini series

“Captains and the Kings”

A rags-to-riches-story about Joseph Armagh, an Irish Catholic who came to America on an immigrant ship. Orphaned at an early age upon arrival; this was his story of amassing great wealth and position in the elite and bigoted society of Boston in the late 1800’s. 

Mum and I would crush over the charismatic and handsome Joe; his romantically shameless escapades and how he ruthlessly acquired power and exacted his revenge. Whoo… It was a very special mother and daughter date night; two wee lasses akin.

/…2

Paul, Bebbie and family, 
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. We remember your mom through fond childhood memories of Treverton Park and Oakworth Cresent.

Carol Anne, Paul, Donna Marie and Michelle,
I wanted to be there but unfortunately Paul cannot be in large gatherings and I have to be careful when I am out.  
Please know your mother meant the world to me.  She was a very special lady.  I do not remember why I was at the house, but she showed me how to make a simple lunch with a can of asparagus, bacon and toast.   We had a lovely lunch together.
 She always told me that she never understood a word my dad said, but loved him anyway.
She will be sorely missed.
Love Dawn, Alan and family

So many wonderful, sweet memories over the years of time spent with Auntie Joyce, Uncle Carl , Donna-  Marie, Paul, Carol Ann and Michelle! 

These are cherished; our heartfelt condolences to each and everyone of the family.

Rest in Peace Auntie Joyce, soar high above the rainbow to those who have gone before you!

Sally, Robyn and families.

I was saddened to hear of Joyce's passing on December 27th.  Joyce was my sister-in-law, and much loved!

She was without doubt an extraordinarily loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by many friends , etc. , as well as family.  

Rest in Peace, Joyce!

Joanne

Dear cousins Carol Ann, Paul, Donna Marie & Michelle & Families, We send our sincerest condolences & prayers to you & your loved ones. Auntie Joyce will always be in our hearts & remembered as a strong, giving, engaging, thoughtful Aunt. She was there for everyone in our family during the good times & the hard times. We will remember her beautiful smile & wit that lit up our life. In our hearts forever & wonderful memories to cherish always. 
Much love, Tracey & Jeff

Michelle, Paul and Family, 

Our sincere condolences for the loss of your Mom.  May your memories guide you through this difficult time. 

Thinking of you,
Bryna and Jesse Rabishaw

With condolences and love for your family. Rick, Angie, Ken and Zia Tina. Hugs.

Sincerest condolences to you all at this very difficult time. May you take comfort from the beautiful memories shared together.  
          - Connie and Dominic Veroni

such a beautiful lady, great friend, amazing neighbour, for over thirty years we were privileged to share fun and sad times.  

Thank you Joycee forever, much love

To Paulo  and  Michele and family ,  condolences to all of you  🙏. ❤️your cousin Anna. delaurentis

I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends to the Joyce Durban I am from the parish

Dear Michelle, Paolo & family 
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Joyce. 
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family. We hope you find strength in all your wonderful memories shared. 
We will keep you in our prayers.
Sonia and John De Laurentiis

Our heartfelt condolences Michelle, Paulo and family for the passing of your beloved Mother Joyce. May God give you all strength in the beautiful memories you shared together and may her love continue to guide you each and everyday.
With Love,
Laura and Domenic Vecchiarelli.

Condolences to Donna Marie, and her family and siblings. I only met Joyce a handful of times, but she seemed an elegant, tranquil and stable beacon for her family.  I am sure she will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Dearest DM:

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mum.  I have followed many of your posts and enjoyed the pictures of her and the rest of the family.  

I am keeping you and the rest of the family in my prayers as you journey through this difficult time. 

Laurie Phair Loudon

Dear Michelle and Paul & Family 
I was sad to hear of Joyce’s passing. My condolences for the loss of your dear mom. I will remember her so fondly. 🙏❤️
Nadia

Dear Michelle, Paul and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved mother Joyce! May your memories built together bring smiles and comfort to the heart during these difficult days. 
Sending so much love,
Pat, Rina and families ♥️

To the Family
So very sorry for your loss. My heart is with you at this difficult time. 

It was a pleasure working with Joyce in the Office at St. Maria Goretti.

May her soul rest in peace.

Cheryl

To the Family 
So very sorry for your loss. My heart is with you at this difficult time.   Joyce was a great mentor to me. I shall treasure her teachings forever and think of her as I bake. 
Jacky

OBITUARY

Joyce Isobel Durban

19 April, 1927 – 27 December, 2023

Jerrett Funeral Homes

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