LEWIN, Joyce

Joyce Lewin (Calderwood) in her 91st year, passed away peacefully into the arms of her loving Heavenly Father after a short courageous battle at Caressant Care Retirement Home in Fergus with family by her side Saturday Jan 13, 2018. Beloved wife, best friend and lifelong companion of Ray Lewin for over 65 years. Loving Mother of Murray Lewin (Barbara Eastman) of Guelph, and Cindy Millar (Cameron) of Elora, and predeceased by her stillborn twin boys (1961). Cherished and very proud Nana of Heather Bouck (DJ) and Kristin Whittaker (Matthew) both of Fergus. Precious Great Nana to Rachel, Levi, Alexander, Brynlee, Riley, Emileigh and Kinsley who brought her such enormous joy with many visits lately.

Dear sister in law of Davida Calderwood of Peterborough, and Murray and Fairie Lewin of Oshawa. She is lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart. Predeceased by parents Andrew and Helen Calderwood, and siblings Isobel Jones and Robert Calderwood, Brother and sister in law Doug and Lorraine Lewin, and Valerie Lewin (Gill).

Joyce was born in Edinburgh Scotland April 17, 1927 and immigrated to Toronto Canada with her mom at the age of 21 and met the love of her life at work and was married at age 25. She was a loving wife, mother and full time homemaker.

She had a strong faith and loved the Lord, living by example, always putting others before her, loving unconditionally, always willing to lend a helping hand and was a dear friend to all who knew her. She also loved to read and the Bible was her favourite book.

She was an active Salvation Army Soldier from 1960 (beginning in Peterborough) -1985 and enjoyed singing as a songster (choir member) and trained soloist, and also influenced the young people of HamiltonTemple Singing Company Group by organizing many weekend trips with ‘her kids’ spreading God’s word through music and was deeply loved, respected and was sometimes known as ‘Sarge’ or simply ‘Mrs. Lewin’.

Her smile lit up a room and her beautiful refined Scottish accent was still very evident after 70 years. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage and did not actually become a Canadian Citizen til she was almost 80. Although her short term memory became a challenge over the last few years she could still tell you the street names of her home town and every family member from her younger years along with many stories and memories. She wrote her life story for her family a few years ago, and was able to remember most of the details. She left an amazing legacy. She lived in Toronto, Peterborough, Dundas, St.Thomas, London and just recently was to move to Elora, but due to her failing health, she moved in to Caressant Care Retirement home in Fergus for the last 4 months, making many new friends and touching everyone there with her beautiful smile and kind heart. She loved doing jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and word searches, and was diligent about getting them finished no matter what (without looking at the pictures or the back of the book....that would be cheating!)

Special thank you to Dr. David Brault, Jane and her amazing caring staff at Caressant Care Retirement home, CCAC PSW’s, and the Palliative Care nurses Heather and Donna in her final days. She left a lasting impression on all the residents and staff at the Home and will be dearly missed by all her new friends, and especially her loving family and her devoted husband.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeside Church in Guelph Saturday April 7 at 12 noon. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to Alzheimers Society Waterloo Wellington, The Salvation Army, Groves Memorial Hospital, Lakeside Church Guelph, or a charity of your choice.

‘Time slips by and life goes on, but from our hearts you’re never gone. We think about you always, we talk about you too. We have so many memories but we wish we still had you.’