Obituary
Joyce passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimers on January 14, 2019. Predeceased by her great love of 60 years, husband Hedie (2013), grandson Nathan (2017), son Kirk (2013) son David (1982) and grandson Keith (1979). Joyce is survived by her loving sisters in Saskatchewan, Mary Grant (Jim) and Nora MacPherson. She is survived by her children Mark, Eric (Cheryl), Alix-Anne LeFrance (Les), Michele Guerin and Rosanna Dahl (Norm); 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.
Joyce met Hedie, a dashing WWII vet during nurses training in North Battleford. They arrived in Vancouver in 1953 and made New Westminster their home. While raising 7 kids, Mom dedicated countless hours to Our Lady of Mercy Parish, the Catholic Women’s League and St. Thomas More High School. As a young mother, she signed on to become a Girl Guide leader and became a Guider for life with Burnaby District.
During their retirement, they spent decades travelling. When not exploring Canada, US and Mexico in their RV, they travelled to countless countries to take in as much of the world and other cultures as possible. She was a true outdoors girl. Their hikes included the Chilkoot Trail (they hiked twice), the West Coast Trail (long before it was a thing), Switzerland, Hawaii, the Great Wall of China, Egypt…far too many countries to name. They undertook 4 day horseback rides in the Rocky Mountains annually for 25+ years, and undertook to river raft from Edmonton to North Battleford on the Saskatchewan River while in their 70s.
To refer to Joyce as an avid BC Lions fan would be an understatement. She introduced Dad to the game of football and they held Lions season’s tickets since the early days of Empire. Even while battling Alzheimers, a football game could soothe her. Even in the fog of the disease, she knew the difference between CFL and NFL games. Her favorite games were always Lions vs Roughriders and her loyalty lay with the Lions. She instilled in each of us, the value of prayer, hard work, saving a dollar, a love of the outdoors and our passion for football.
As a family we worked hard to keep Mom living in her home as long as possible. We want to thank her home-care team: Denise Dimock, Erin Dunn, Liza Canto, Dr. Jinu Mathew and Dr. Chin of the Seniors Specialized Clinic. She spent her last months under the loving care of all the nurses, Ruby and Diana and many, many others in Manor 1 at Lynn Valley Care Centre. We thank you all.
Prayers will be held Thursday Feb. 21st at 7:00 pm and funeral mass Friday, Feb. 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 7455 – 10th Ave. Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Our small-town girl from Saskabush is gone.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Joyce Codron March 19 1933 January 14 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique