Passed away at LHSC – Victoria Hospital on Saturday, February 5, 2022 formerly of Lucan, Bayfield and Delaware at the age of 72. Beloved wife of the late Tim Blackburn (2019). Cherished stepmom of Eric Blackburn (Judy) of London, Heidi Nelson (Geoff) of Brantford, Ian Blackburn (Marie-Josee) of Wheatley, and Patti Blackburn of London. Loving grandma of Jillian (Joel), Emma (Clinton), Jamie-Lee, Hannah, Paige; Chloe (Greg), Mackenzie (Mallory); Olivia, Zachary (Chelsea). Adored great-grandma of Archer, Alorah; Ella and Enzo. Dear sister of the late Diane Braun (Joe), Peter Gavin (Linda), Gayle Moss (Dave), Terry Gavin (Wendy), and Lynda Marshall (Dave). Dear sister-in-law of Nadine Adam (Ernest), Madeline Blackburn, Mark Blackburn, and Matthew (Tabatha). Much loved aunt Joyce of Michelle, Cory, Craig, Tracy, Sherry, Jaydelyn, Jason, and Jesse. Fondly remembered by many great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by her parents Reg and Marion (Harper) Gavin.
Joyce was an avid golfer, and loved being out on the course. She enjoyed spending time on the water, going boating. Joyce was very proud of her career in teaching. She touched the lives of her many students, and colleagues. Above all else, she loved to spend time with her family, and if she couldn’t be with them, she would talk about them.
Keeping with Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Friday, May 27th at 2 PM. After spending many wonderful years together, Joyce and Tim will be interred together following the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, London.
Donations to Canadian Cancer Society 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).
Ellen Bradshaw
My condolence to the family. I worked with Joyce in the nineties at Glen Cairn School.
At the end of a school year, while finishing the paper work, Joyce and Larry and the office staff, myself, Lil and Gail were chilling out to the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Good vibes!!!
Take care
Cathy Westwood
Joyce often supply taught in my classroom at Exeter Elementary. She was an amazing teacher as well as a wonderful colleague and friend to everyone on our staff. Sending my sincere condolences to you.
Marina Morrissey
Such a fun person to work with! As Secretary at Exeter Public , Joyce and I had a lot of great laughs and conversations! We also shared a love for shoes!!!! When she went to Florida she treated me with some bling sandals! Always thinking of others! You were truly blessed to have someone so special in your life!
Maria Hamather
Sincere condolences to Joyce’s family.
I enjoyed every moment working with Joyce at EES.
She was an amazing teacher and had such a kind heart.
Joyce will be missed by many.
Kind Regards,
Maria Hamather
Cindy Visser
Sincere condolences to Joyce’s family and friends. Like others, I had the privilege of working with Joyce at Exeter Elementary. She was a bundle of energy and good cheer, and ever so organized and capable. I recall once being off sick for several days and cringing at the thought of what my classroom and class would be like on my return. When I returned, I entered a completely tidy classroom, with a desk that had been organized and extra lessons prepared for me to use! What a blessing! And the report from students…”We had great days! Can you always get Mrs. Blackburn back when you’re not here? She’s awesome!” I also remember a staff Shrove Tuesday luncheon when Joyce was behind the serving table. As a guest to our building that didn’t seem right, so I suggested she have a seat and I could serve the sausages. She wouldn’t hear of it! She just loved helping others, while spreading happiness and joy. Treasure the great memories! I’m sure there are many. Joyce will be missed.
Kathy Thiel
Sending my sympathy to Joyce’s family. She was absolutely a pleasure to know and work with at Exeter Elementary School. Joyce loved supply teaching and always went above and beyond what she needed to do. She took great pleasure in doing an awesome job and no problem was ever a big deal for her. Joyce smiled through every day and was such a bright light and generous person. Her smile was infectious and so was her laughter. Joyce will be dearly missed. 💗
Brenda Wakabayashi
I was very fortunate to have worked with Joyce at Glen Cairn. She was a wonderful person and a .Great Teacher.
She will be fondly remember as being kind and caring in the way she did her job and communicated with others. There is no doubt Joyce will be greatly missed and always remember.
Deepest Sympathy
Larry Neilans
Very sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. I worked with Joyce at Glen Cairn Public School for over ten years. She was a true professional, well liked by everyone, and a pleasure to work with . Joyce and I retired at the same time and she will always be remembered by anyone who knew her.
Bruce West
Very sad news, I am so sorry. Joyce was one of my LST role predecessors at Glen Cairn. GREAT lady. The staff was lucky to have her.
Sharon Kyle
Sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. I had the pleasure of working with Joyce when she supply taught at Exeter Elementary School. We were always happy to have Joyce in the classrooms.
Cherish your memories !