Joy Fontaine

Joy was born on July 9, 1939, in Ottawa, Canada, to Laurence Grant Gillisie and Susanne Gillisie. She attended nursing school at the age of 17 in Pembroke, Canada, where she formed lifelong friendships. After completing the nursing program, she moved to Southern California and met and fell in love with Robert Michael Fontaine, who became the love of her life within days of arriving. They soon married and began their family, raising four children.

Joy was a devoted mother, loving wife, amazing nurse, and cherished friend. She dedicated her professional life as an Operating Room Nurse. She found joy in her faith, grandchildren, hosting holidays, shopping, camping at Carpinteria State Beach, dinner with the nurses, desert trips, and crocheting blankets for her church, family, friends, and anyone needing warmth and comfort. Her name, Joy, perfectly reflected her nature, as she consistently brought joy and kindness to anyone who knew her.

Joy is survived by her children, Sue (Rob), Larry (Delia), Bob (Kristin), and Kathy (Shawn); her grandchildren, Michael Hugh LaBounty, Grant Robert LaBounty, Haylee Nichole Fontaine, Alexa Noelle Fontaine, and Isabella Joytila Fontaine; and many other beloved family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend, Bob, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

A funeral service will be held on April 24, 2025, @ 10 am at Saint Joseph Church in Upland, California. Donations may be made to Helping Hands at Saint Joseph Church instead of flowers.