Allen (nee Milefanti), Joyce Irene
March 24th, 1921 - December 16th, 2007
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Allen on Sunday, December 16, 2007. Predeceased by her husband, Reginald Allen in 1998, she is survived by her daughter, Judy, son, Craig (Meryliss), “son-in-law” John Lunam, and grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Ryan and Lauren. Born in London, England she immigrated to Sarnia, Ontario at 4 months old, yet managed to retain her British accent all her life. Growing up in Toronto, she attended the Normal Model School and, following her graduation, worked for Bell Canada. She returned to London to assist with the war effort as a volunteer with the Red Cross, where she met her future husband, Reginald Allen, amidst a giant mess of potato peels. They were married in Toronto on June 8, 1946.
She continued to work for “Ma Bell” until 1962 when she attended Toronto Teacher’s College. She fulfilled a life-long dream when she became a special education teacher in Thornhill, Ontario. The Allens migrated west to Port Moody in 1974 and settled in for retirement in Parksville in 1983.
Joyce devoted herself to the people around her. She has many wonderful friends in Parksville and around the world. Through her contributions to the Parksville community she touched the lives of many people. She was active with the Eaglecrest Golf Club, Ladies Auxiliary to Arrowsmith Lodge and Old Age Pensioner’s Association, amongst others. Joyce will be fondly remembered for her “poetry for all occasions”.She will be profoundly missed by her loving family and many friends, both near and far.
A service of remembrance will be held Friday, January 4, 2008, 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Parksville. ?All are welcome.
Donations may be made in remembrance of Joyce to Arrowsmith Lodge, 266 Moillet St, Parksville, BC V9P 1M9.