WEATHERSON, Joyce (née Rootes)
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It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our dear mother, Joyce. She passed away on May 28, 2019 peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by family at Lake Country Lodge, Lake Country, BC. Predeceased by her dear husband of 59 years, Bruce (2008), her daughter-in-law Debbie (2016), her 3 brothers Jack, Bill, and Bob Rootes and their wives. She will be dearly missed by her 8 children; Pat (Larry) Eberly, Jackie (Thom) Kinch, Bruce (the late Debbie) Weatherson, Peggy Weatherson (Rex), Andy (Jacquie) Weatherson, Donna (Michael) McGrath, Sharon (Gerald) DeBenetti, and David (Carolyn) Weatherson and her 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. At the age of 93, Joyce was the last remaining aunt for her many nieces and nephews in the Rootes and Weatherson families.
Joyce was a Veteran, serving in WW2 as a Wren in the Airforce. She was also long-term employee of Towers and Zellers.
Joyce instilled the love of reading, traveling, and life-long learning in all her children. You won’t find one without a book in hand or a tripped planned.
A visit to Expo ‘67 began her adventurous wanderings which continued throughout her life to such far-off places as Israel and Hawaii. She was a consummate traveller, never worrying, obstacles were opportunities and strangers became friends. A chance encounter with Mrs. Peacock on an Edinburgh bus and Joyce was invited to stay at the stranger’s house, which she did then and on all subsequent visits. She enjoyed a cup of tea with one of her favourite authors, Catherine Cookson, at her house in England. Joyce thought driving in blizzards was exciting.
She looked at life through playful eyes, making every situation fun. She liked games and was known for her sneaky triple-score Scrabble words, her numerous Yahtzees, and her bag of quarters from her Bingo winnings! Joyce was also a talented Bocce player and the source of her daughters’ penchant for jigsaw puzzles. She appreciated being outside, where she “felt alive”. Joyce loved surprises!
The symbolism of her favourite flower, the lily of the valley, is a “return to happiness”. How very apt! Joyce’s smile stopped tears; her faith calmed fears. She brightened her surroundings with smiles and laughter. Many found solace in her patience and kindness, her quiet strength, her willingness to listen, and of course, the ubiquitous cup of tea and the best homemade chocolate chip cookies!
On Mother’s Day 2019, Joyce gave her children a last bit of advice – Do Good!
The funeral service will be held at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Niagara Falls, ON on Tuesday, June 11th, with visitation at 10:00 am and the service at 10:30 am
Internment at Fairview Cemetery and luncheon to follow at St Johns.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstoke.ca or St John the Evangelist Anglican Church.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.hetheringtonanddeans.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de WEATHERSON Joyce nee Rootes —..
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique