We Remember
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MAJOR, Sadah “Joyce”
November 4, 1944 — February 15, 2025
With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Sadah ‘Joyce’ (née Dunbar) Major in Kelowna BC. She is survived by daughter Shannon and son-in-law Laurence Waidmann; grandchildren Riley, Courtney, and Reid (Annali) Cox; great-grandchildren Fiona and Soren Haydamack; sister Marjorie Hooper; sister-in-law Barb Dunbar; brothers-in-law Ken (Judy) Major, Frank Marcinyshyn, and Gary (Barb) Hooper. Also left to mourn are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom were very dear to her. She was predeceased by her husband Rodney Major and siblings Frances Lehmann, Grace Madden, and Glen Dubar.
Joyce was born in Carman, Manitoba to William and Elsie (nee Rogers) Dunbar. In 1963 she married Rod Major, and in 1964 they welcomed their only child Shannon.
Joyce’s career included United Grain Growers in Winnipeg, the Justice Dept for the Attorney General in Regina, SK, payroll at Holy Family Hospital, Salvation Army Grace Hospital, and BC Women’s and Children Hospital in Vancouver. She retired in 2004. She had many wonderful colleagues who became lifelong friends. Joyce found her passion and talent in watercolour painting. Travel, family, and lovely friends were the inspiration that fueled her creativity.
A quote by Joyce:
“About me…
Lover of a good pair of shoes,
Believes that there is nothing a new lipstick can’t fix,
Lover of a good glass of red wine,
Lives with the ghost of a Persian cat,
Possess shopaholic tendencies,
An aspiring artist,
And on a perpetual diet.”
Those who wish to can donate to Parkinson Canada in Joyce’s memory.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
My sweet Auntie Joyce, I am grateful for the time I spent with you the last number of years, we always had some laughs together over a glass of wine of two, I will miss you dearly. Thank you for loving me. Dal oxoxo
I met Joyce when visiting Kelowna with Doreen Rogers. She welcomed me, a stranger, as a guest for a few days in their home. She and Rodney were great hosts and I enjoyed every minute of their company.. My sympathy to the family.
Querida Joyce was my very best watercolour student from our first encounter at my workshop at Mandeville Gardens to painting together in the interior patio of historic Melville Hotel, in Mazatlan Centro. Both of us Scorpios & kindred spirits from the moment we met. A treasured friend on our drives to La Conner tulip festival & out to the lavender fields of Tuscan Farm Gardens. There were 3 of us & sometimes 4 over 25yrs JOYCE, MARTHA, PAT(who sadly is no longer) & JANE in the photos I will try to attach including Joyce & me in painting session in the inner patio of the authors Hotel named after Herman Melville & Joyce’s beautiful watercolour of the centre fountain, bougainvilla covered archways & planter pots. Con todo carino me haces mucha falta. I miss you so much. All my love to you in peace Jane