Joyce Vivian Buxton

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Joyce Buxton on November 5, 2021, with family by her side. Joyce will be missed, and remembered with love, by brother Jerry (Karyn), brother-in-law Kerry, & sister-in-law Shirley; children Rob (Elaine), Jim (Lyn), & Leslie; grandchildren Matt (Chelsea), Carly (Greg), Amber (Aaron), Jamie, Garrett (Odessa), Travis (Mary), & Kelsey (Jesse); great-grandchildren Lindyn, Ayla, Iris, Arya, Arlo, Oliver, & Audrey; and many precious relatives and friends. Predeceased by Bob Buxton, her husband of 55 years; siblings Roberta, Desiree, & Wendell; and sister-in-law Gayle. Born September 10, 1938, in Lethbridge, AB, early years were spent in several communities: Coalhurst, AB; Canadian Forces Base in Chilliwack, BC at Vedder Crossing during World War II; and Yale, BC. In 1950, the family moved to Prince George, BC where Joyce started high school. Her best friend had a boyfriend, and that boyfriend had a best friend named Bob Buxton. In 1957, Joyce married Bob, and the couple went on to have three children: Rob, Jim, and Leslie. Bob & Joyce settled in Hixon, BC and there, for many years, they raised their children and welcomed grandchildren into the world. Joyce worked hard, lived simply, and was constantly busy. Joyce was active in the Women’s Institute, a substitute teacher at local elementary schools in Hixon, Strathnaver, Stone Creek, & Red Rock, and later, she was a classroom assistant at Hixon & Blackburn Elementaries. She was also a tree planter for a couple years with a crew of local women. From an early age, Joyce was a caregiver; for Joyce caring meant ensuring others were (1) warm, and (2) well fed. She made sure that little ones were dressed appropriately for the weather, with warm hats, mitts, socks, & sturdy boots. To ensure that healthy food was on the menu, Joyce maintained large gardens and grew most of the vegetables that the family ate. Her caring extended to her friends and community; if help was needed, she would pitch in. She found her greatest joy in becoming a grandmother. As “Nana”, she encouraged her grandchildren to try new activities. A cheerleader at every sporting event or recital and applauded academic achievements, she kept up with what they were doing and supported them through rough times. She loved to watch them play. She is remembered by her grandchildren as being unconditionally loving and a great listener. A very social person, Joyce always welcomed people to visit. She liked meeting new people and visiting old friends. With genuine interest in people, questioning skills, and an ability to listen closely, she learned a lot about people, and made a lot of friends & acquaintances. Humour was always close at hand, and Joyce possessed a self-deprecating sense of humour. Manners and respectful interactions were important, she taught her children, by example, how to be decent and kind to others. She loved going on road trips to visit relatives and friends. Kids and grandkids remember many travels with her around BC, AB, & SK, visiting people along the way. She loved family reunions. Joyce was a cautious person, and yet quite adventurous. She was a very good sport, participating in many family activities: snowmobiling, cross country & downhill skiing, and golf. She loved to explore and was a great travel companion. In later years, Joyce enjoyed trips to Reno, Las Vegas, Disneyland, Ireland, Scotland, and a cruise to Alaska. In retirement, Joyce & Bob moved to Kelowna, BC. Leaving Hixon behind was very difficult for Joyce. She set to work, established relationships with her new neighbours, and built herself a new community. The family will be forever grateful to all the staff at Birchview Residences, Dr King, and Dr Hagen for the wonderful care Joyce received in her final years. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In Joyce’s memory please consider donating to the BC Children’s Hospital.