Peacefully, at Blue Water Rest Home on Sunday, March 1, 2020, a long-time resident of Goderich, in her 80th year. Predeceased by her parents, David Rasiah and Magdalene Thamary (Vasagam) Devadason and her late husband of 23 years, Solomon Appavoo. Loved mother of Samuel (Donna) and Jonathan (Ann) Appavoo. Cherished grandmother of Solomon, Danielle, Shanti, and Rajaratnam Appavoo; dear sister of John (Maggie) Devadason and Irene (Bunty) Selvadurai. Survived by several nieces and nephews.
Joy began her journey on August 1, 1939 in the Maradana a suburb of Colombo, the capital city of the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka. Given that Joy’s life would be defined by her travels across this planet it is fitting that it began in one of the primary railway hubs of the country. Joy’s study of botany at Aquinas University College in her early years would sustain her lifelong passion for flowers and gardening. Perhaps it was the tropical flowers of her youth that inspired her love of color that was the hallmark of the way she expressed herself.
On June 1, 1963 she married her husband, Solomon Appavoo. Over the next five years they travelled across India until Solomon retired from the Indian Air Force. In May of 1964 she had her first son Samuel. In 1968, she emigrated to Germany with her husband and young son. In 1970 she gave birth to her second son Jonathan. Following in the footsteps of their brothers and sisters Joy and her family migrated to Canada in 1973. Canada became the country she would call home.
During her life in Canada Joy has been a seamstress and bookkeeper in Guelph, and the owner and shopkeeper of “Joy’s Variety” in Paris, Ontario. After closing the store, she again worked as a seamstress in Cambridge. Joy’s faith in Christ was constant and never failed. This faith sustained her through the loss of her husband in 1986 and to the day she died. After ensuring her sons where well raised with a dedication to serve others she cared for her parents in Hamilton.
After her parents moved to a nursing home, Joy courageously, at the age of 52, began pursuing a career in nursing. With the pride and admiration of her family in 1994 she graduated as a Registered Practical Nurse. Sadly after graduation she got a severe attack of Rheumatoid Arthritis that would progressively rob her of her health. In 1996 she moved to Goderich to take up her role as a dedicated grandmother to Solomon, and Danielle Appavoo. For several years she escaped to Arizona to ease the burden of surviving winter weather with her health challenges. Over her 24 years in Goderich Joy has become an important fixture in many peoples hearts. Shanti, and Rajaratnam Appavoo, Joy’s younger grandchildren, have enjoyed their treks to see her in Goderich.
The last five years of her life were spent under the loving care of the staff at Bluewater Rest Home in Zurich as she battled Alzheimer’s. We are forever grateful to all the staff for their dedication and love. We hope that all of us can remember and be inspired by Joy’s infectious smile and willingness to share it under any circumstance.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, ZURICH on Saturday, March 7th from 1 – 3 PM. A memorial service to celebrate Joy’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations to the Anglican Mission in Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in thoughts during this difficult time.
Deborah Delyea
I am sorry for your loss,Joy was always a Joy to be around,i pray that the lord would speak peace to your families pain at this time,My deepest condolences.Debbie D ,I had done Joy,s hair before she went into the home.
Bonnie McCarron
Our condolences to Sam and Jonathon and their families. She was a kind and gracious soul.
Bonnie and Mike McCarron
Indra Arulrajah
She was a lovely joyous person. May she rest in peace with her Lord. My deepest sympathies to her family. May God comfort you at this time of sorrow. Love
Indra Arulrajah (Selvadurai)
Julian Brainerd
Our deepest sympathies to Sam and Jonathan and your families.
Appreciated the beautiful and descriptive obituary. May the Lord of all comfort, comfort you. Rest in the assurance that mom is in the presence of Jesus for all eternity, where there is no more death, sorrow or pain. – Rev 21:4
Freddie Brainerd (Selvadurai) Julian and family.
Brian and Daphne Selvadurai
Sorry to hear the sad news. Please accept our condolences. May God Comfort and Strengthen you all and give you peace during this time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Love
Brian and Daphne Selvadurai
Cheryl Gelinas Dietary at BWRH
My deepest sympathy to Joy’s family. She was a lovely lady.
Audrey Melick
My condolences to the whole Appavoo family. I remember how happy Joy was when she first came to the Blue Water Rest Home. She shared a table with my mother, Helen Gingerich for a while and we had an opportunity to chat frequently. Occasionally I witnessed her loving family visiting her. May you be encouraged by your memories of a wonderful faithful woman.
EVANGELINE DE MOTTE
Our deepest condolences to you upon the passing of your
beloved mom & grandma – our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family –
Praying for your healing, comfort, strength and peace during this painful time
Shanti Rajaratnam
I knew Joy from Colombo as she studied at Methodist College. Met her in Canada
as her sister Irene married my cousin
Bunty. I enjoyed talking to her. She had
the joy of the Lord.
My condolences to the family.
Katie Nixon
I will miss Joy immensely. We spent some lovely one on one time together, getting to know each other and creating wonderful memories. I especially enjoyed hearing her stories of the past. May you Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Sincerest condolences go out to her beautiful family.
Katie Nixon
Private Support Worker
Karen Mathonia
She was a lady at all times…lovely to know and respected by so many.
Carol Deichert
We will miss the beautiful smile we got every morning without fail. What a gentle spirit she had. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joy’s entire family. May God hold you close. Carol Deichert PSW at Blue Water.