Joyce Gibson

Joyce passed away peacefully at Bayview Extendicare on April 9, 2016. Joyce was predeceased by her husband Blair in 2008. His passing had left a large hole in her life. Daughter of the late Richard and Una Welsh, she was also predeceased by siblings Marion Commette, Cyril Welsh, Marjorie Campbell and Edward Welsh. She is survived by her sister June Darlington.

Joyce leaves to mourn her children Sandra Gibson and Robert Gibson (Christine) and grandchildren Megan, Lauran, Michelle and Meaghan.

Joyce was born in Montreal and lived her early life in the Depression. Her father had lost his leg fighting in the Canadian Army during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917 and this challenge ensured that she and her siblings contributed much to the family efforts.

At the age of 16, she met and married a dashing RCAF Radar Technician, assured that he was not to be posted overseas. A move to New Brunswick, the planting of a Victory Garden and beginning married life was all cut short by Blair's secondment to the RAF and postings to England, Scotland, France, and Holland. Joyce moved back to Montreal to nervously await his return.

Upon his return to Montreal after discharge, Joyce became the breadwinner as a Notarial Secretary at Marler and Marler while Blair completed a B.Comm and CA at McGill. Upon graduation in 1948, Joyce turned her talents to efforts more domestic. When Blair's career blossomed, they began a family, moved to the suburbs of Montreal; first Pointe Claire and then Beaconsfield, and lived through what was their Golden Age. Retirement brought them to Haliburton and later Thornhill.

Travel with their children was always a priority; from Old Orchard Beach in the early years, to New Hampshire in the early 1960's, to Spain in the 1970's and finally to Hawaii and Florida in the early 80's through to 2001. Their children were always welcome to travel with them, as were their grandchildren.

Joyce's priority was always her family. She was fiercely proud of her children and grandchildren and even more fiercely protective of them.

Once Blair passed away in 2008, Joyce slowly slipped into dementia, requiring long term care beginning in 2014. Much appreciation is owed to the caring staff at Bayview Extendicare, including her long term caregiver, Grace.

Cremation has taken place. A private service has taken place. If you wish to honour your memory of Joyce, please make a donation to the War Amps or Alzheimer's research.