Passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2021 at the age of 86. Joyce leaves behind her loving daughter, Kelly and adoring sons Hugh and Gerry. Predeceased by her dear husband Kenneth Buckley and his brothers Alan and George. Alan remained a loyal companion to Joyce following Kenneth's death, a very good man.
Also predeceased by her mother Grace (Smith) and father Arthur Smiley; her older brother Art and wife, Shirley (nee Lutz) of Nova Scotia); older sister, and nursing graduate Jeannine (Jay Byrne), of New York; neice, Darlene (Alex MacDonald) of Nova Scotia.
Survived by loving twin companion from birth, and co-graduate of nursing at the Victoria General Hospital (Halifax, class of '57) Joan (Marty Leibowitz) of California. Loving aunt to David Smiley and great-aunt to Darlene's (Alex MacDonald) children, Alisha and Heather of Nova Scotia.
Joyce deeply cherished her lifelong friendships, especially Lorna G, Marilyn E, Jean H. (and a special affinity with Jean's daughters Margaret and Suzanne)--true angels through thick and thin of 50 years, and newer angel-arrivals on her journey: Geraldine, Margaret M. and Sheila T. The family thanks you for your support, and kindness and for all the good times shared together with mom.
Special thanks to the capable hands and standards of excellence from the Ottawa Heart Institute for giving mom an extra 30 years of life; the Ottawa Bruyere Clinic, and to all the staff at Forest Hill for their excellence in care, and for remaining steadfast through these challenging times-- heroes.
Mom loved Cats and Chocolate-- we thank the creators on behalf of mom for those wonderful companions too-- (including "Pooh-Bear" and Smokey, Patchouli and Go-Go)-- our angel cats. Mom had a great sense of humour, could always giggle at the absurd and make us all break out laughing hard-- that was one of her many gifts to us all.
Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:
The Ottawa Heart Institute
The Bruyere Memory Clinic
The Humane Society of Ottawa
Ottawa Salus Corporation
Or the charity of your choosing.
My condolences to Joyce's family and friends. I only just heard today about Joyce's passing. With this news so many great memories of Joyce flood my mind. She was such a good friend to my mother and kept her going when times were tough. Joyce was always the life of the party when we made it out for a lunch or to a get together. I will always keep those good times in my heart. My thoughts are with her family.