LEWER, Joyce Adeline (nee Waite)
It is with great sadness and love that Joyce’s family announces her peaceful passing in Ridge Meadows Hospital on November 10, 2006.
Joyce was born in Waitville, SK, on July 4, 1924, the eldest daughter of late Harry and Edith Waite. As a young girl she travelled by wagon with her pioneer family to homestead in Montney, British Columbia, in the district of the mighty Peace River near Fort st. John, where she grew up.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her indomitable spirit, her caring heart, and straight forward approach to living, which was to “Just accept it and get on with it. What will be will be.” She loved nature and all the wonder in it. She was an avid gardener, finding God in the earth and in all living things. Joyce had the ability to coax silver linings from dark clouds, and to make the best of things, no matter what. She loved to spend time with her family, to comfort, to nurture, to encourage, and to cheer us on. Her laughter was music to our ears. She was our rock, our glue, and our kick in the butt when we needed it most. Our loss is great.
Joyce is survived by her loved and loving husband, Stan Lewer, with whom she spend 64 years in Vancouver, Parksville, and in Pitt Meadows. She is deeply missed by her children, Darlene (John Patton) of Ottawa, Len (Jan) and Chuck (Sandy) of Surrey, and Susan (Herb Leggett) of Maple Ridge. She is also mourned by grandchildren Michael Patton of Drummondville, Quebec, Kaireen Patton (Bryan Reid) of Ottawa, Jaret Lwer and Kyle Lewer (Jennifer) of Surrey, and Talia and James Butler-Gray of Maple Ridge.
Left to cherish Joyce’s memory are her brothers and sisters, Jim, Harold and Ralph Waite (Bernice), Verna Woodruff (Bud), and Marjorie Bontron (Ray), all of Fort St. John, and Constance “Connie” Cames (Delbert) of Juneau, Alaska, as well as many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her heart. She was pre-deceased by her brother Clifford, and sisters Mary Waite and Audrey Tompkins (late Short). “May the Circle be unbroken, by and by Lord, by and by.”
Our family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Frank Lim, Dr. Gillian Hodge, and to the staff of 2-West Ridge Meadows Hospital for their compassionate care during Mom’s final days.
Family memorial services will be held at a later date.
Although Joyce loved flowers, she said “The best ones are the ones you grow in your own garden,” therefore in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the British Columbia or Canadian Cancer Society. Cancer can be beaten.
VALLEY VIEW FUNERAL HOME • 604-596-8866