Obituary of Joyce Buckham

It is with deep sadness but with gratitude for a well lived life filled with love, that the family of Joyce Buckham announce her death on Tuesday September 3, 2019.

Lovingly welcomed into the world in 1928 in Toronto Ontario, she was named Joyce to mark the joy her parents felt after their eight year wait for this beautiful little girl. And to her parents, Eva and Henry Banks and later to her husband John Buckham and children, she continued to bring much love and joy.

Joyce was foremost a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend and neighbour. Joyce’s energy, determination, faith and positive outlook were her defining qualities.

After marrying John in Toronto in 1950, she moved to Timmins, Sudbury, and then to New Liskeard in 1952. There she happily dedicated herself to supporting her husband, raising their three children and beginning her career of volunteerism in the community.  St. Paul’s United Church became a second home where she cheerfully and tirelessly contributed to its many activities.  Over the years she was a volunteer with the Girl Guides, the hospital, the schools and the Kiwanis Music Festival.  She enjoyed gardening, music, good books, dancing, golfing, curling and more than 60 years of bridge with her club ladies. Each summer since 1954, was spent at the treasured Twin Lakes cottage surrounded by friends and family.

Above all she was focused on her family and spoilt them with a lifetime of wonderful home cooking, baking, birthday parties, favourite treats, making every occasion special. She laughed at learning she had been considered a second Mom by many of her children’s friends. Time was also always taken to thoughtfully remember relatives and friends over the decades in good times and bad. By how she lived, she demonstrated the enduring value of: a strong moral compass, loyalty, hard work, good manners, common sense, being thrifty, service, resiliency and a sense of humour.

She was the anchor of the family and will be deeply missed by her husband John of 69 years, her children Paul (Joanne), Ian (Elspeth), Lynn (Andy Stevens), and her grandchildren Michelle, Lena, Adam, Graeme and Findley. While predeceased by her sister Doreen Palk, she leaves behind her dear sister-in-law Beverley Buckham and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in New Liskeard on Saturday October 5, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:00 am.  A celebration of Joyce’s life will follow at 11:30 am with a reception afterwards. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Church in New Liskeard, or to Plan International Canada through Perrin’s website: www.perrinfuneralchapel.com