March 17, 2023
Joyce Irwin, 80, passed away in her Whonnock home on St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 2023) with her husband by her side.
Joyce's life embodies kindness and selflessness. She enjoyed sharing uplifting and encouraging words on social media as well as her passion for birds, especially hummingbirds. She saw the beautiful colours of birds as a sign of God's handiwork.
More than anything she loved to talk and laugh with her family and cuddle her great grand babies. She also liked playing cards with her lady friends.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Wally; children: Karen (Brad) and Trina (Shawn); grandchildren: Quinn (Mikayla), Brittany (Tyler), Brynn (Alex) and Terrell (Zoey); great-grand children: Blayke and Greyson.
She was predeceased by her parents: Jacob and Lena, her 2 brothers: Eddie and Harold, and her 3 sisters: Irene, Helen and Mary.
Born in Scott, SK and schooled in Wilkie, SK., Joyce attended Alberta College in Edmonton where she met Wally. Once married she worked at GM Motors Insurance then started a family. After Wally graduated from the University of Alberta, he took a teaching job on the west coast where they put down roots 53 years ago, raised their children and made lifelong friends.
Some may remember Joyce as the organ player at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and/or the friendly secretary at Thomas Haney Secondary, Pitt Meadows Secondary, Maple Ridge Secondary and Whonnock Elementary Schools.
Others will remember her for volunteering for the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women, Mission Correctional Centre and Ferndale Institution as a liaison between the inmates and the ministry board. It is her wish that everybody give back to society in some way by sharing their gifts. Joyce's gift was making people feel important and valued.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer, date and location to be announced.
If you wish to honour Joyce and her struggle with diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to BC Diabetes Foundation (#4116 - 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1 M9) or BC Lung Foundation (2675 Oak St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2K2)