It is with deep sorrow that the family of Joyce Mary Jane Nelson (nee Roy) announces her passing on December 11, 2023.
Joyce was born in Montreal, Quebec on November 21, 1944 to Noel and Jeannette (nee Dupuis) Roy.
She lived a vibrant life of song and hard work, along with her siblings, brother Ronald (Diane) sister Mollie (Bob, late) and brother Bobby (late).
Joyce was very proud of her French Catholic heritage and strict upbringing. She often shared her stories and songs of her youth while growing up in Quebec.
In 1957, Joyce made the journey with her family to Elliot Lake and again proved her excellent work ethic while working for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Town Grocers, Inn on the Lake, Town and Country and Denison Mines.
Joyce also loved to sew and was an accomplished seamstress. She adored animals, meeting new people and living life to the fullest.
As her name, Joyce, suggests, she brought lightness, laughter and joy wherever she went. She always enjoyed a dance, a sing a long and had an open heart and ear for anyone that needed it.
While in Elliot Lake, Joyce dedicated herself to raising her three children, Annick (late), husband Bud Fisher, Doreen, partner Ken Rastin and Charlie.
Joyce was determined to make a good life for her family through hard work and perseverance. Her mantra that kept her going through difficult times was, “ There’s no such thing as I can’t.”
Joyce proved this time and time again and passed her steadfastness on to her children.
Joyce had a great love for her seven grandchildren, Max (Julia) Theo (Elliot), Melanie, as well as Chad (Kristina), Jason (Lachana), Travis (Lindsay) and Bud Jr. (Shannon).
Joyce was also blessed to have eleven great grandchildren that she loved dearly, Skahota, Kendra, Morgan, Autumn, Hailey, Ayden, Hannah, Alexa, Elijah, Ruby and most recently, Memphis. She was proud to witness her roots grow into a new generation.
Joyce will be remembered for her kindness, strength and generosity. She will live on through the memories and stories that are shared by her loving family and friends.
Joyce will be greatly missed by the McInnes/ Kennedy families, Flo, Dawn and Kirk, her nieces, nephews and many friends.
Her absence will leave an emptiness in all who loved her yet her gracious and giving spirit will live on in her daughter, son and all of her grandchildren.
A very special thank-you to Dr. Mike Stirling for ensuring that Joyce had the best in care, all the Third Floor nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their compassion, sensitivity and excellent nursing, all the staff at VanDaele in Sault Ste. Marie and the many people that have shared their condolences and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.elliotlakefuneralchapel.com