Obituary of Frances Joyce Gavin

JOYCE FRANCES GAVIN (COUTU)

The family of Joyce Gavin with sadness but profound gratitude, announces her passing on Monday  December 2nd. Joyce now joins her mother Ann and father Peter, sister Lois  (Bob)and brother Wayne (Tammy) in a place where she will become the fullness of whom she was once, and so much more, embraced by God our Father.

Joyce was born in Sault Saint Marie on July 1st, 1929 and spent her early years in Vancouver.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband Michael after 48 years of marriage, her adored children Jeff (Maureen) and  Sandra (Todd). She is the cherished nana of Michael, Mikhayla and Aidan. She is also survived  by her sister Cathy (Ken dec.) and brother Jim (Mary), brothers-in-law Paul (Barbara) and Phillip (Diana) and sisters-in law Maureen (Jack dec.) and Joan. Also cherished by many nieces and nephews.

Joyce had a  long and successful career as a teacher and primary supervisor. She taught in Pembroke, Eganville, Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Credit, Windsor, Ottawa and Whitby. In 1970, she moved to Chatham as the Primary Consultant with the Kent County Separate School Board where she was instrumental in developing programs at the primary level including the establishment of  junior kindergarten. In that role she served as a mentor to many teachers who also had successful careers in education. Joyce also was a Religious Consultant and Music Coordinator in other locations. Joyce finished her career as a primary school teacher at St Joseph's School in Chatham.

After retirement, Joyce and Michael travelled extensively. Joyce loved gardening, cooking and spending time with friends and family and loving her Happy Days dogs. Her primary interest though was to spend time with her family. Joyce hosted all of the holiday gatherings and spoke with pride about her kids and grandchildren. Joyce loved the simple things like ice cream, flowers, birds, her sun room and her dog Ritchie.

The family would like to thank the Nurses and PSWs at Copper Terrace who provided compassionate care for the last 10 months and to the PSWs from VON who helped keep Joyce in her home as long as possible.

Family and friends may visit at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St S. on Thursday, December 5th, 2019 from 2-4pm and 7-9 pm.  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday December 6th at 11 am in St Ursula’s Church.

Please consider donations to the St Ursula Interfaith Caring Kitchen or the Alzheimer’s day care program.

You and I
We're meant to be
We have worked, danced and played
We have grown together, You are my best friend
Your dreams are mine and mine yours
If I could do it over again
I'd do it the same
The His and the Hers
Have become Ours
Two-but really one
I love you.
Forever