Joyce Leclercq Swift
March 31, 1924 – March 9, 2010
In Loving Memory
Joy passed away peacefully on March 9th at the age of 85. She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Bill and her sister Eileen. Joy is survived by her loving family, daughter Carol (John), son Brian (Betsy); grandchildren Allison, Rebecca, Tristan and Colette and her first great-granddaughter, Stella along with many extended family members and friends. Joy was a beautiful and lively woman who courageously fought, lived and struggled with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Whether it be dancing on the kitchen with Bill (Granddad) or setting off boating on the “Impossible Dream”, Joy will always be remembered for her love of music, dance , the arts and children. Even as her world grew smaller, Joy never lost the ability to sing! A very special “Thank you”to all the staff of the Finnish Canadian Home of Vancouver for their endless compassion and support over the past three years. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a donation fund at the BC Alzheimer’s Society in honor of Joyce. Online donations can be made to www.alzheimerbc.org.
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Sorry to hear of the loss of Auntie Joy. You have our deepest sympathy. “The legacy of love is the memories”. We will cherish all the wonderful family memories, as we know you will. The family dinners,the warm welcome we would receive when visiting, the kids dressing up, and the close relationship that Joy, Bill and Sheila shared. Auntie Joy was Bill’s Godmother. With the family being so small, we shared lots of good times with Auntie Joy & family.
We are hoping those fond memories will offer you comfort at this time. Love, Bill, Jo, Jacquie & Tyler
Peter and I would like to offer our love and prayers to you all, on the passing of DEAR JOY.
She was a Joy to know , as a wife also, we had many fun times as we supported the men in their Singing adventures.Joy was always good for a laugh.
She leaves a legacy of Joy and courage , she will be missed.
Many Blessings and Prayers,
June andPeter Clark
We first met Bill and Joy through the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir, and had many a happy time at their home – when Joy would sing the romantic British song, “A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square”, and she would go on for hours singing much like the fore-mentioned Nightingale, while circulating amongst her guests. Bill and Joy were a great couple, and were happily in love, a pleasure to know and to be with.
Joy loved to participate in the Friends of the VWMC fashion shows, and would eagerly walk the talk – on the Cat Walk.
We fondly remember them both, and shall keep them in our hearts.
I first met your Mom in the’70s and through the years had the pleasure of working with her in a preschool program. From there we shared good times with our pal, Goldie Maycock and others in the early childhood field. One of our memorable visits to Birch Bay resulted in Joy giving us Yoga instruction on the deck of Goldie’s mobile home, much to the delight of a male neighbor resident who peeked out through his curtains. Hallowe’en was special with fancy dress-up parties involving your Dad. The highlight of the gatherings were the duets performed…Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Macdonald would have been honored by Joy and Bill’s voices performing their hits. I’m so pleased that Joy never lost her love of singing…she was indeed beautiful in all respects. Pauline Wenn (another preschool teacher) and I send condolences, and we will both have happy memories of your Mom, Gramma, and Great gramma, and our good friend. Marilyn Campbell
“Joy” was truly named.
On a Tuesday evening once a month, while our husbands had their weekly rehearsal, the wives got together and had our meeting of the “Friends” group, which included wives, and partners and friends of the VWMC. Joy was a faithful and helpful member of that group.
She always brought her lovely smile and cheerful self to these meetings. This group of ladies was formed to support and help the Choir in any way that we were needed. For many years Joy was there for us.
Many of us have fond memories of our Potluck dinners , our one and only fashion show, garage sales and especially our Choir Tours around British Columbia, overseas to Britain and Europe.
She is fondly remembered and missed by us all.
From “The Friends of the Vancouver Welsh Mens’ Choir”.
Dear Carol -
I can still see that beautiful lady in blue walking down the corridor singing along at the Finnish Home. I loved her wicked sense of humour.
She was truly a lady.
Dear Brian,Betsy, Tristan , Colette and family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Joy your mother and grandmother. Thinking of you at this time.
Love Wendy xo
.
Dear Carol, Brian and All the family,
After knowing Joy for many years I can say she truly was aptly named JOY. She had such a zest for life that simply being in her presence was a joy! She always had a song in her heart and the light step of a dancer. Sister Jeannie and I will always cherish our special memories of dropping by the house at Christmas time. The warm smiles of welcome on the faces of Joy and Bill as the front door was opened was enough to spark that “Christmassy Feeling” in both of us.
One thing that always comes up in our conversations about Bill and Joy is their love for each other. We were sad about Bill passing on before Joy, but now that they have both passed, perhaps they are reunited in heaven, dancing a starlight waltz together.
My sympathy to the family of Joy Swift. She and Bill had been good friends for many years of my husband, Barney (deceased in 2002). Back in the 70’s, when we lived in Vancouver, the four of us often went out to dinner and/or had many visits. We had fun with them. Your Mom loved Yoga and she inspired me also to get involved. She could easily stand on her head (something I never accomplished.) I have many happy memories of her and Bill and extend my sincere sympathy to you.