December 8, 1938 – July 24, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Barnes of Twin Oaks Nursing Home in Maryhill. Beloved wife of the late Raymond Barnes (2021). Much loved mother of Mary Anne Scheerer (Tom), Mark Olender (Deb) and John Olender. Dedicated stepmother to Guy Barnes and Barb Barnes (George). Grandmother to Kyle, Brandy, Amber and Kyla. Great grandmother to Shelby Marie. She is survived by her sister Charmayne Sauer (Brian) and her brother Peter Snyder (Mary).
A strong and courageous woman who started her family while still young, and then through one of life’s unexpected changes was forced to raise her children on her own. It was during that period that she showed her strength and tenacity in raising three young children, guiding them through life’s lessons that gave them all a strong start in life, but also giving them the morals and ethics that were a part of her. Her love, care, sacrifice and determination will always be remembered by her children through the memories and stories they share.
Life granted her another opportunity, when she met her true-life partner and husband of 44 years, Raymond. Between them, they raised a combined family of five children. A mother and grandmother who survived a bout with cancer and several other illnesses. She found time to be an avid reader, a regular bingo player, as well as bowling, all while working part-time at Zehrs.
She truly loved her Northern Ontario trips with her husband and mother to see the wonders of all the autumn colours, which were annual trips until she was unable to. Along with her trips north, she dearly enjoyed her vacations to Southampton. Be it browsing the markets or an ice cream down at the beach, she always looked forward to the yearly vacation.
Her later years were marked by the slow onset of dementia, which slowed her down and eventually required moving her into a nursing home. Even through this time she enjoyed daily visits from her husband Ray and their occasional trips out for lunch or dinner, playing cribbage with her two sons, as well as visits from her daughter with some new clothing or apparel. She showed the same grit and fortitude in her final days as she did in her younger years.
Strong to the end, she was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and a courageous lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
“May the wings of your ever-loved butterflies carry you to that seat next to Dad!”
Special thanks to all the nursing staff at Twin Oaks Nursing Home in Maryhill. In particular, Tamara Rome for all her care and compassion, Melody Perry for always keeping Joyce in her thoughts and Katie Hopkins, Joyce’s favourite Bingo caller, and finally Dr. Winfield for taking care of Joyce during her stay and making her as comfortable as possible in her final months.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Joyce M. Barnes in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.