Philcox, Joyce Marnie
In her 92nd year on the morning of 19th January, 2012 Joyce Marnie Philcox (nee Atkinson) released her tenacious grip on life after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in 1920 in the rural community of Yellow Point, she and her family moved to England in the mid 30’s where she met and married Dr. Herbert Antony Philcox. She returned to Canada in the late 40’s with her husband and the first two of her six children and lived the rest of her life in the Nanaimo, Cedar and Parksville areas.
Joyce spent many years as a successful and dedicated Electrolux sales lady through which she explored the backroads of her local communities and made a legion of lasting friendships. She was a dedicated member and supporter of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Her service with the Red Cross in England during World War II started a lifetime of volunteering and collecting with organizations likethe Kidney Foundation. Joyce cultivated friends of all ages and walks of life and no passerby could resist the warmth of the friendship she offered.
Joyce had an adventurous spirit. She loved walking and boating on the BC Coast, climbing Mt. Arrowsmith and in her late 80’s kayaking Clayoquot Sound. She was always the first to spot the wildflowers and was a passionate advocate for the Vancouver Island environment and its communities. Her kitchen was filled with the warmth of her love, the smell of her fresh baked bread, apple sauce on the go and the making of her world famous marmalade, all of which were generously shared with family and friends. She had a green thumb and many a problem was solved with friends over a cup of tea in her own beloved garden.
She lived her life with honour, faith and integrity raising her six children with the same principles garnered from her strong will and remarkable determination to do things the right way with grace and class. She was an inspiration to all with her kind heart, amazing physical abilities, zest for life and her dedication to her family and friends. She will be truly missed.
Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Niels and Millicent Atkinson, her husband Tony and her brother, Robert. She is survived by her six children – Susan, Antony, Nigel, Jane, Christine and Timothy, six grandchildren – Eric, Erin, Elizabeth, Melina, Mario, and Marina and three great grandchildren – Ethan, Ryan and Raina.
A service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at the Seventh-day Adventist church, 2400 Highland Boulevard, Nanaimo at 3:00pm on Saturday, 11th Feburary. A reception will follow. Flowers are graciously declined. Donations would be much appreciated to either the Kidney Foundation or to the BC Cancer Foundation.