Obituary of Joyce Harris

HARRIS, Joyce:  Surrounded by loved ones, Joyce passed peacefully at the age of 69, on Sunday, February 21, 2021. Loving daughter of Muriel and Emile Thisdelle (2001). Survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Ken Harris. Devoted mother of Mandi, Glenn (2010) and Todd (2019).  Cherished grandmother of Aidan and Jude Harris and Canadian mother of Eva Watanabe, Japan. Sister of Ron, Daryl, Randy and Paula Thisdelle (Helmer Gonzales). Sister-in-law of Allan Harris (1975) (Susan Savoni), Kay Woods, Jenny Anderson, Joyce (Rod) Arnot, Linda (John) Young, Shirley Kemsley and Don (Collette) Harris. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Joyce always said she had super glue in her veins, she bonded like crazy. She loved everyone and she loved her children, relative to how well they were behaving, of course.  Often accused of having a favourite child, she could not be swayed to ‘fess up’ - not even if they tried bribery. Joyce could find the humour in almost any situation and tried not to take life too seriously. She excelled at consuming lobster, Baileys, decadent chocolate cake and PC Chocolate Crackle ice cream. She did not excel at remembering (okay, she remembered nothing), eating cheese or packing light for a vacation. She loved to travel, especially with her sister, Paula and had several memorable opportunities to add towards her book “How to Smoke Your Way Around the World”.

Joyce was blessed in her final year of life. She was supported, loved and cared for by her family, her friends, the Community Paramedic Program, the Palliative Care Team, the LHIN, Bayshore Home Health and V.O.N.  “Enormous gratitude to my two besties, Sue Fortin and Peg Daly, who made it possible for me to stay in my home over the past year”. 

In honouring Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services at this time.  Arrangements entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 519-344-3131. As an expression of sympathy, friends may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 N. Christina St., Sarnia, N7T 5W3.  Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.