FERGUSON, Joyce Eileen

September 28, 1954 — October 22, 2024

While surrounded by family, Joyce went to be with her Lord and Saviour on October 22, 2024, at the age of 70. Her passing was unexpected. Joyce is survived by her only child: Nick (Bailley); her four grandchildren: Zeke (14), Keziah (13), Izzy (10), and Ezra (8); her mother Shirley; and her four younger brothers Bill, Thomas, Ed (Ruth), and Doug (Heather); along with many other extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her father Bill, and her sisters-in-law Monica and Leslie.

Joyce was born on September 28, 1954, in Sarnia, Ontario, to Bill and Shirley Grant. In her early years, she grew up on a farm, and later in town in the Sarnia area. Joyce graduated from high school and married shortly thereafter. In 1975, she moved to Duncan, BC, where she settled into a home and began to raise her family. In 1989, the family moved to Caronport, SK, before moving back to Northern Vancouver Island in 1996. Joyce moved to Kelowna in 2002 and gradually settled into a life on her own, highlighted by working for the Salvation Army, making new friendships, and living for over twenty years with her landlords, the Epps.

Joyce’s Christian faith was central to who she was, from attending The Salvation Army as a child to helping cook at various Bible camps and attending/volunteering with children’s ministries, hospitality, Bible studies and even running some sound at the churches she attended alongside her and her families’ moves. Joyce returned to The Salvation Army church in Kelowna for the last 20+ years of her life and built many meaningful connections. Joyce was known to be gentle and kind and caring, and ready to step in with a listening ear, an encouraging word or as a prayer warrior. Walking with Jesus is a significant part of her legacy.

Another substantial part of Joyce’s legacy was her family. While she ended up living far away from her birth family, she always enjoyed visiting and staying in touch with her relatives “back east,” especially connecting with her mom, and with her brothers—with whom there was always plenty of laughter and razzing, but more importantly a network of care and support for one another. Joyce poured everything she had into being a mom, and she was a great one, loving in so many quiet and selfless ways. Becoming a grandma to four grandchildren seemed to take the cake, and they were grandma’s greatest treasure. Joyce loved her visits with her grandkids, and she loved to talk and craft and play games with each of them while showering them with hugs and presents. She couldn’t wait to see or hear about the latest grandchild’s sporting, music, acting, or school adventures, and she also loved to share about them with anyone she was close to.

While we rejoice that Joyce is in heaven, her person and presence will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joyce on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at The Salvation Army Kelowna Community Church, 1480 Sutherland Avenue in Kelowna, BC.

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