E. Joy Doyle

She was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her children Reg Doyle and Miriam (Bruce) Pyett and her grandchildren Graham Pyett and Meredith White, as well as her nephews Jim and Bob Blyth and niece Carol Blyth. She was predeceased by her husband Walter Doyle in 2018, and her sisters Idane Blyth and Holly Rooke.

Joy was the oldest of three girls born to Chester and Inez (McCulloch) Hollingsworth. She was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, and raised in nearby Stranraer, a small farming community. Although they lived in the town, her father was a farmer.

As a child and youth, Joy was a bright student who excelled in school. She was also athletic, participating in baseball, curling, and tennis. After graduating from high school, Joy went to Normal School, earned her teaching certificate, and had a brief teaching career in Kinistino SK, Fernie BC and Saskatoon SK. She then attended Business College and worked as a secretary at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool until she was married. She and Wally met at a Normal School reunion and they were together for 68 years before he passed away. After she married, she led an especially active social life. She loved to entertain and organize gatherings for family and friends. She enjoyed a cold gin and tonic on a summer’s day at the lake along with much conversation and laughter!

Throughout the years, Joy was a regular volunteer in the community and as a United Church member. She particularly loved singing in the choir and with The Choristers. She also loved playing duplicate bridge (achieving the rank of Life Master), knitting, crocheting, baking and cooking, watching sports on TV, attending theatre and Symphony Pops, doing crosswords, playing solitaire, and reading. Her personality was reflected in her wonderfully vivacious fashion sense, from colourful blouses and lipstick to her unmistakable clinky silver bracelets.

Joy travelled widely and lived in the Sudan for three years (1951 – 1954) and in Zambia for three years (1976 – 1979), accompanying Wally who was directing agricultural projects in those countries. They lived in Hudson Bay, Nipawin, Melfort and Regina, then retired to Victoria, BC in 1988 where they continued to have a full and rewarding social life.

Joy lived her final years at Mount St. Mary in Victoria and the family would like to thank the staff there for the excellent care both Mom and Dad received. As a Wife, Mom, Grandma, Aunt and Friend, Joy lived up to her name in every way. We are celebrating her long, full life.