OBITUARY
Joyce Helen Brack
27 August , 1929 – 6 May , 2018
JOYCE HELEN BRACK (Haight)
Joyce Helen Brack passed away peacefully at Dufferin Place in Nanaimo on May 6th, 2018. Joyce was predeceased in 2010 by her loving husband of 57 years, Bob Brack.
Joyce is survived by her two sons: Lindsay (Tracie) and Brian (Nona); grandchildren: Lee (Laurna), Shea, Alese, Cody (Layla), and Jennilee (Justin); and great grandchildren: Liam, Bo, Reiner, and Ryker.
Joyce was predeceased by siblings Murray Haight (Marge), Muriel Imrie (David), Alan Haight (Marie), and Anne Thompson (Ken). Joyce is survived by her twin sister, Jean Hamilton (Gavin), as well as sisters Gail Guidinger (Don) and Ruth Lauscher.
Joyce was born on her family’s farm on August 27, 1929, one day after her identical twin, Jean. Joyce and Jean had an uncanny ability to know when a major event was occurring in the other’s life. Joyce and her seven siblings were raised by their parents, Ralph and Sara, on the family farm at Floral, SK. The siblings, known for including three sets of twins, were recognized for their 4-H achievements in Maclean’s magazine. Through 4-H, Joyce met future husband Bob.
In 1953, Joyce and Bob married in Saskatoon. Joyce then worked as an elementary school teacher and Bob began his long career with the Extension Division at the University of Saskatchewan. Their first son, Lindsay, was born in 1956. Joyce was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis prior to the birth of their second son, Brian, in 1959. During many lengthy hospital stays when she was a young mother, Joyce always persevered and never complained. Her family lovingly recalls the devoted friends, family and caregivers who provided support through the difficult times over the 60 years Joyce battled multiple sclerosis. Joyce’s spirit in the face of a daunting disease was always a source of inspiration and admiration those around her. Joyce counseled countless multiple sclerosis patients through the years. In 1979, Joyce wrote about coping with the struggles of multiple sclerosis as a family in her book, “One Thing for Tomorrow.”
Joyce was known as a talented cook and baker. Bob and the boys always came home from work and school to delicious meals. She enjoyed cooking and fine dining. For many years, Joyce baked dozens and dozens of Christmas fruitcakes for delivery over the holidays. Her sons will always remember the scent of fresh baked cinnamon buns greeting them as they walked in the door after school. Joyce also enjoyed painting in watercolor and acrylic, which she continued doing through to the end of her life.
Joyce made friends easily with her excellent listening skills, kindness and honesty. Her life lesson to others was never to say “why me?,” but rather “why not me?” She had an endless optimism that continually amazed her family and friends.
Joyce loved having her extended family of aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in close proximity. No holiday passed without a large gathering of either the Brack or Haight clans. In addition to her sons and their spouses, Joyce’s grandchildren will forever have fond memories of their years with Grandma Joy.
Joyce lived a remarkable life with determination and grace despite having multiple sclerosis and overcoming breast cancer. Despite suffering decades from a debilitating disease, Joyce will always be remembered as a source of quiet strength and determination. She was a kind, stoic and gentle soul.
The family thanks Dr. J. Olivier, Dr. Fletcher, Bryan Nay NP and the caring, compassionate staff at Birch Unit in Dufferin Place for their excellent care. If desired, donations may be made in Joyce’s name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joyce Helen Brack 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: nanaimo, Province: Colombie britanique