On the morning of the full Harvest moon, Friday September 29th, 2023 our family matriarch, dearly loved mother, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie, great auntie, and cousin took her final breath in the comforting presence of her family. Joyce was the longest surviving member of our immediate clan.
A woman of strength, determination and resiliency, she lived life on her own terms. At age 28, having saved diligently for a down-payment, she purchased her home in the east end of Toronto, obtaining private financing (at a higher interest rate) as banks in the1950s did not consider a separated working mother of two young children a candidate to obtain a mortgage without consent of a co-signor/spouse. She was plucky and she persevered, working in the insurance industry until her retirement.
Pre-deceased by her parents, William (Bill) and Dorothy (Dorrie) Talbot, and her beloved son Johnny who left this earthly plain too soon, aged 23, struck by lightning while water-skiing on Lake Simcoe.
She was heartbroken and never fully recovered from the loss of her only son. He remained always and forever in her heart.
Her much loved Grandmas, Talbot and Clements, Aunties: Emily, Vi, Irene, cousins Shirley & Buddy (aka George), Uncle Norm & Aunt Norma who lived up the street and closest best friend Barb Swales predeceased her. Also predeceased by former spouse and father of her children, John Beauvais. Joyce’s adored brother-in-law, Howard Mann, was beyond supportive, generous and kind to her throughout his marriage to her sister Jean until his death in November of 2022. As a family, we are grateful.
Survived by daughter Donna (aka Dona) Beauvais-Gagne who hopes she remembered to beg her mother’s forgiveness for dropping an ’n’ because it sounded exotic and for occasionally being a petulant teenager but mostly for decorating her bedroom with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling posters of the Beatles in the1960s. A very patient parent indeed, Joyce selflessly welcomed her children's friends to the little house on Galt Avenue, taking delight in their presence. No one was ever turned away from her table. She was an excellent cook and all ‘round pretty hip and understanding Mother and den mother during those formative years. As an essential care-giver throughout her Mom’s final years, there was a renewed mother-daughter bond, particularly during the pandemic when life was beyond challenging for everyone.
Joyce is also survived by her beloved, dedicated and always caring sister, Jean Talbot Mann. Close sisters, they shared the caretaking of their aging parents, the joys, sorrows, ups and down of their respective lives plus the laughter of shared family celebrations, vacations to Orr Lake, Christmases, Mother’s Days and Birthdays in the more than eight decades spent as sibling confidantes. Posthumously the matriarchy mantle gets passed to her sister, Jean. We love and appreciate all that you do.
Joyce leaves behind her cherished grand-daughters, Elise Beauvais (Christopher), Emilie Warrilow (Jayson), plus a legacy of five great grandchildren, Jasper, George, Benjamin, Oliver and Chloe.
Survived by close nieces Corinne Mann, Lisa Mann “Auntie Boyce" (Link & Lucy), grand-nieces Vanessa & Andrea.
Residing in Riverdale & Leslieville, Toronto, latterly as a resident of Hillcrest Long Term Care Centre, Midland, Ontario. Forever grateful to the wonderful staff on Georgian unit at Hillcrest for the compassion and care shown over the past six years. Thank you to nurses, Brenda, Koralee and Kristen for your kindness and professionalism.
A family Celebration of Life will be held, likely in the spring of the new year.
Should one wish to make a charitable donation: Joyce supported the Toronto Humane Society & the OSPCA.
"May you fly on the wings of a dove, Momma. Love you always and forever."
