Joyce Yvonne Davidson

1932 – 2022

Joyce Yvonne Davidson (Izzard, Paris) age 90 of Toronto, Ontario (formally of Nova Scotia), passed

away at her home on December 21, 2022. She was born on April 7, 1932, in New Glasgow, Nova

Scotia. She is the daughter of the late Winnifred Davidson-Izzard and the late Joseph Daniel

Izzard. She was pre-deceased by her former spouse Russell (Gar) Paris Jr., sisters, Winnifred

Davidson, Elizabeth (Bessie) Criss, and Margaret Johnson, as well as brothers Jimmy Izzard, and

Joseph Izzard. She is survived by her siblings, Robert (Bob) Izzard, Ann Jewel (Doc), and Dorothy

Galli (Alex-deceased). She is survived by her children, Dennis Paris (Ann-deceased), Shawna

Paris-Hoyte, Karrela Paris (Joe) and Heather Paris (Dave), grandchildren Sierra (Cee)Paris (Demarica), Bryce Paris Hoyte, Karra Bonenfant, and great-granddaughter Alayah Paris-Mon, and her many beloved nieces and nephews, several of whom kept in contact with mom over the years. She was thrilled to meet her great-granddaughter in person in 2022. She lived a full life for 90 years and throughout the majority of those years, she responded to the plight of others, especially the elderly by sharing, caring, and giving in whatever way she could. She was known as mom, nana, great-nan, auntie, and sister Joyce. Many of her patients and work colleagues referred to her as “Momma Joyce”. She was a graduate of the Success Business College in Truro, Nova Scotia, and began working for the Nova Scotia Provincial Government in 1972. After moving to Toronto in 1975, she worked simultaneously in both

health services (municipal government- Metro Toronto Health) and the Provincial Courts in

Ontario from 1975 to 2020. While working full-time, she found the time to study and

completed her practical nursing program at George Brown College in the 90s. She retired from

the Ontario Ministry of Justice- Traffic Court and Summons Bureau services in 1997 but

continued her work in health services with Metro Toronto Health as a full-time nursing care staff

from 1997 until her retirement in December 2020 at the age of 88. She truly loved working and

caring for the geriatric population and spent 47 + years working at her beloved Carefree Lodge.

She also provided educational support to other healthcare staff during the SARS pandemic in

Toronto. Nursing care was truly mom’s calling.

In her spare time, she enjoyed live theatre, knitting, baking, cooking for others, and

watching soap operas. She was an avid and passionate gardener and could grow just about

anything. Attending garden centers was food for her soul. She was always thrilled to watch her

garden bloom in the spring. She would sit for hours and breath in the fragrance

of the flowers as she watched the tiny birds bathe in her water fountain. She enjoyed the energy

of downtown Toronto and would walk and shop for hours. She enjoyed her travels to the

Caribbean islands, and to the west coast of Canada to visit her grandchildren and she especially

made it a point to travel often to Nova Scotia (via train which she loved) for Thanksgiving and

Christmas celebrations. Christmas was her favorite time of year.

She was an inspiration to many. She was kind, wise, resilient, energetic, and had an off-the-cuff comedic style. Mom/Nana leaves a legacy that speaks to the human spirit to just keep going no matter what the challenge in life. In times of uncertainty, she would often say, “what’s for you wouldn’t go by you in this life” and at other times she would recite, “There is a destiny…what you bring to the life of others will come back into your own”. She supported several charities for many years including, the Save the Children Fund.

Her work is done, and her purpose is fulfilled. She is now in God's loving kingdom with her heavenly family. She will be deeply missed by family and friends but will always be remembered. Her legacy will live on. May she rest easy in everlasting glory and peace.

Thank you to all of you who have sent condolences and have been in contact with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce's name to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home and Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto Ontario. Private visitations for the family will take place on January 6, 2022, and January 7, 2022, with cremation to follow. Celebration of Life services will be scheduled for Toronto and Nova Scotia at a later date. A condolence page and photos have been set up on the website.