After a long journey, Joy is now free — her spirit restored, her sparkle returned. Joy passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her daughters at LHSC – University Hospital on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the age of 72. Devoted wife of the late Jim Darling (2022) for over 49 years. Proud mom of her four daughters; Sarah and Tom Woodland of London, Rebecca Darling of Exeter, Alyssa and Roger Howard of Oakville, and Megan and Will Rempel of Parkhill. Adored grandma of her 12 special grandkids; Avah, Jack; Abbie, Maiya, Hunter; Ryan, Zoe, Lexi; Lucy, Sam, Alice, and Andy. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Jacqueline and Kim Scrimgeour, and Randy and Judith Pollock. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, and the Darling family. Predeceased by her parents Grant and Azelle Pollock, her stepfather Barclay Aldis, and her sister Joanne Pollock.
Joy will be remembered as the vibrant, elegant matriarch of our family — a woman whose strength and independence were matched only by her warmth and grace. She devoted over 30 years to caring for others as a registered nurse at Exeter Villa, always with compassion and quiet confidence. Joy loved her family deeply, especially the babies, and she lit up whenever a little one was near. She found joy in travel, enjoyed a game of bridge, and loved her time on the golf course. To us, she was the heart of the family — classy, kind, and endlessly giving.
Joy’s funeral service will be held at Exeter United Church, 42 James Street, EXETER on Thursday, July 10th at 1 PM. Interment Exeter Cemetery. A celebration of Joy’s life will follow at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, Exeter.
Donations to Alzheimer Society Huron Perth 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).
Marianne Eagleson
Sarah and sisters, sending you love & light, I’m so sorry for your loss and wish I was able to be there at your Mom’s funeral earlier this week. I will always rememberJoy’s compassion and care at the Exeter Villa when my grandpa passed away, and the fun times of summer sleep overs and pool parties at the Darling house, my Mom
was so happy to see Joy with her beautiful quilt at her quilt show last year. May your Mom live on through all of your memories! Xxoo
Marianne Eagleson, Bill and Diane Carson
Matt Godbolt
Deepest Condolences from myself and family on the loss of your mother. She was an amazing women and great neighbor. I will cherish all the wonderful memories growing up next door, especially all the great swims. Sending big hugs. Matt
Cathy Fuller
My deepest condolence to all. Joy was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed
Greg & Lorraine Perry
We met Joy on a cruise with the Darling family. A lovely lady. I’m sure she’ll be terribly missed by all the family. Condolences to all the Darling family.
Ken Agnew
We got to know Joy thru her time playing pickleball. She was a good player and always positive.
Condolences to her family, Ken & Joan
Roger and Lois Wallis
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and family
What a Beautiful service today, a wonderful tribute to your Mom and your Dad!
I have so many great memories of your Mom, shopping trips, golf, many parties and most of all our trip to Singapore, Hong Kong and Bali, we had an amazing time. She was a very dear friend, may she rest in peace, your dad will have welcomed her with biggest hug ever!
Thinking of you.
Roger and Lois
Kathy Penhale
Dear girls
I had the honour to attend your mom’s service today . It was such a beautiful tribute . It embodied the true spirit of who she was : elegant , tasteful and organized 😃I wasn’t able to attend the gathering afterwards but I so wanted to see you all.
As as young girl , your mom introduced me to Carol King “ tapestry” album , Stephan king novels and our shared love of cats . I thought she was pretty cool .
We always had a chat when we saw each other and how proud she was of what wonderful women you have become . I am happy you have each other to share your laughs and memories.
Take care my darling girls
Kathy
Clayton and Jane Hefley
Rebecca, Sarah, Alyssa and Megan. We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Hold your memories close to your heart.
Ken and Kim Pinder
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and families.
Ken and I are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We have known Joy for a lot of years. Kristy and Megan have been great friends since pre school. That is how we got acquainted with your family. I also had the pleasure of playing golf with Joy in the ladies league for many years. She loved golf. You girls will miss your mom so much. She will be reunited with your dad and that will bring you peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynda and Denton Gaiser
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa and Megan,
We were so saddened to hear the news of Joy’s passing.
Your Mom and Dad were very special friends to us for many many years.
There was nothing like attending the annual ‘Darling Pool Party’ where we always looked forward to seeing all of you girls and how much you had changed from one year to the next, and just catching up.
You can be rest assured that your Dad was waiting there to greet your Mom with open arms with his big bear hug.
Know that you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Love Denton and Lynda
Angela Klaassen
I was sad to hear of Joy’s passing. I was one of the evening staff that worked with Joy for many years. My sincere condolences to the family.
Maureen Wood
Rebecca, Abbie, Maiya & Hunter
My Sincere Condolences on Your Loss of Your Mom & Grandma
Hugs Skip
Anmarie (Kraft) Hoffman
Our very heartfelt ‘Sympathy’ to all of Joy’s lovely family. Our thoughts are with you, sending hugs! ….Anmarie & David
Martin Thibodeau
To the Darling Family and Alyssa and Roger Howard,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of your mother and mother-in law, Joy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these more difficult times.
Warm Regards,
Martin & Caroline
Sandra Sweitzer
Sarah,Rebecca,Alyssa,Megan and Family
My deepest sympathy to you all
As you know your Mom and I were best friends for over 50 years
She was smart, funny ,a true professional as a nurse ,and a wonderful mom always talking about her girls. She was so proud of all of you and loved you girls immensely.
Our last visit together was one I will never forget. She jumped up from her chair and said “boy am I glad to see you”
We hugged and cried and had a great visit not knowing it would be our last
She even remembered which one of us was Thelma and which one was Louise as we joked
Knowing she is now with your Dad and at peace will comfort you
Katherine MacGregor-Ens
Deepest Sympathy to Joy’s family and friends. I always enjoyed my interactions with Joy, while playing Pickleball, as well as Figure Skating in the distant past.
George and Lois Godbolt
To all the Darling family
Last week we lost a great friend and former neighbour. Over many years, we shared lots of laughs and some great meals. We even shared two girls, our daughter Julie and an almost daughter Alyssa.
It was so sad to witness Joy slip away from us and from all of us over the last few years.
So on behalf of all the Godbolt family, please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of Joy, mother and friend. George and Lois
Sieka Van Steeg And Teo
We are soo sorry about your mom, yes we where together many time when her husband ( Jim ) was still with us
We wish you all Gods Blessings at this time and after
Jodi Wildfong
Your mom and dad were the best neighbours to my mom. So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
The Chanyi’s xo
Janis Brown-Capes
To Joy’sFamily,
Sarah, Rebecca,Alyssa, Megan
I grew up with Joy, my brother with Jacqui when Parkhill was a booming town. My mom Mrs Brown taught most of the Pollock children in grades 3 & 4.
Mr Pollock worked so hard in his store. Mrs Pollock made Joys roaring birthday parties so special to this little girl with fancy
Sandwiches.
It is clearly evident what wonderful caring daughters Joy and her husband raised.
You will miss your Mom but remember what a GIFT God gave you to have such wonderful Parents.
I had hoped to travel down from
Ottawa for my Goodbye to Joy. This has been made difficult as I await tests as like many battling the Big C. Nurse Joy would understand
My thoughts and prayers will be with you all as you honour your sweet Mom’s life.
Sincere and Fondest Regards.
Janis Brown Capes
M.J. Chanyi
To the darling girls, I miss my neighbour of 26 years. She was always ready for a chat, she enjoyed golf & she followed current events, so we always had something to discuss. The last few years have been a trial, her fight is over,. Memories will keep you company. Hugs MJ Chanyi
Jean Mason
To the Darling Family
So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a lovely lady and always had a friendly smile and a hello whenever we meant.
Sincerely
Jean Mason
Jim and Verla Russell
The Darling Girl’s and Families:
With deepest sympathy on the passing of Joy.
Joy was a friend, neighbour and Sorority Sister.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad, difficult time.
Jim and Verla
L&R Tredenick
Dear Alyssa, Sarah, Megan, Rebecca & Family,
May it comfort you to know friends are thinking of you and remembering you in their prayers. May cherished memories of your Mom/Grandmother soothe your spirit at this time.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Randy, Laura, Jack & Luke Tredenick
Aurora, ON
Lois McCallum
To the Darling and Pollock families
So very sorry to hear of Joy’s death. My deepest sympathies.
Lois (Nielson) McCallum
Rick and Dawn Tessaro
We were deeply saddened to hear about your Mom’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Joy’s warmth and kindness will always be remembered, and her spirit will live on in the memories you shared.
We are keeping you in our thoughts and sending you are love and strength.
With deepest sympathy.
Rick and Dawn
Tom Hsrtai
To the Darling Family
On behalf of my family and staff , please accept all of our deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Joy always greeted me with a smile and kindness whenever I would see her .
Find comfort in knowing she was loved and respected by so many people.
Tom Hartai
Karen Insley Windsor and family
Our deepest sympathy to all in the loss of Joy. She was a wonderful person and her kindness was a great gift to all. May you find comfort in your many memories.
Herman and Joanne Steffens
Dear Rebecca and Family
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother
We will keep you in our prayers
Herman and Joanne Steffens
Margaret & Jack Kraft
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa and Megan,
The Sorrow we are feeling is so deep. The end of a beautiful chapter in our lives. We had great times together- We had great trips together- we had great dinners together and many , many laughs. Many
treasured memories.
One time on the French river with the 4J Club we had finished a wonderful dinner- It was dark with a brilliant full moon. The sky was blanketed with stars. It was suggested we go on a moonlight cruise on the river. I was not having any part of it, but Joy just looked at me and said “Margaret get on the boat- this is an opportunity we cannot pass. This totally shocked me that she wanted to go, but I did as she said. For some reason, I have thought of that moonlight cruise often
It was beautiful …. like Joy Darling- A lady of class and a lady with a huge heart. She adored her family. She loved her job. She loved life.
Jim will be waiting for his girl with the BIGGEST hug.
Thinking of all of you at this time❤️
Margaret&Jack xoxo
Angela & Kim McLean
We were deeply saddened to hear about Joy’s passing. She has been a friend and acquaintance for many years. She will long be remembered for all the good she did on this earth. Rest in peace Joy. Our thoughts, and our hearts, go out to your family as they go through this sad time in their lives.
In fond remembrance of a special woman.
George and Sue Wilson
Joy’s daughters and families, heartfelt condolences on your Mom’s passing. Your Mom was a compassionate nurse, a lovely lady. Cherish your precious memories and hold them close to your heart. May your faith, family and friends give you peace and comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rose Brittain
Condolences to all the family of Joy Darling prayers and memories are what you need to hold on to memories are forever 💕💕
Kay Tripp
My condolences to the Darling Family
Michelle and Mike Waite
Alyssa and Roger,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
MaryJane Taylor
My Sincere Sympathy Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and Families…Dear Joy has had her challenges the last few years. We as friends have missed her too. She would mention you often as we covered lots of interesting conversations.. May she rest in peace and contentment now with Jim. Think of him receiving her with opened arms. We will remember a lovely friend and miss her at lunch and coffee dates. A classy mom, treasure all those fond memories during your grief….
Debbie Stewart (Skirten )
So sorry for your loss girls and your families. May the happy memories help in this difficult time!
Mike Veal and Marlyn Wein
Sarah, Rebecca, Allyssa and Megan. Condolences to you girls and your families. Your mom and dad were such great neighbours to everyone. When we purchased your parents home years ago we had a ton of fun. You gals and our kids had a great time on Sanders St. Joy was a sweetheart and will be missed. Cheers to a great mom and person. Mike Veal
Tara&Rob Russell
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and Families,
So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to work with your Mom at the Villa, so many great memories. She truly was amazing lady! Keep your memories close& may they give you comfort thru this difficult time. RIP Joy.
Melonie
Rebecca & family, the Darling family
Our condolences in the loss of your mom. She was a lovely person.
Barry & Melonie Miller
Jeff Hoffman
Sara, Rebecca, Alyssa and Megan and Families
Condolences on the loss of your Mom…. She was a wonderful Lady and always had a smile on her face and happy
Jon & Rae Ann
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, and Meagan and families were very sad to hear about Joy She was a very special person and a wonderful mother to you four girls. From the day, Jim met her. He always found something special with her and he had respect for her always. You were always greeted with a smile, a special warmth. She radiated from her.
They are together now and this is a good thing because Jim needs someone to look after him and she always did a good job with that. We are all very proud to have her as one of the 8 J’s which made her a legend along with Jim. Our love, hearts, hugs and deepest sympathy goes out to all the family.❤️ Jon-and Rae Ann
Alison Prince (Walker)
My sincere condolences to you and your family Sarah. Your Mom was such a lovely person.
-Ali
Alice and Jerry MacLean
To the Darling Girls and extended family we send condolences.
May Joy be troubled free now and eternal life will be on her side.
She has gone home to be with those who passed before her.
RIP Joy.
Wendy Heimrich
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan & families.
My deepest sympathies with the loss of a wonderful lady.
Joy was such a wonderful person inside and out. She was a pleasure to work with from the very beginning in Exeter Villa. She will be greatly missed. Now with your Dad she can be free and laugh again. Keep the memories alive and close to your heart. She was so proud of all of you.
Thinking of you all & huge hugs.
Wendy Heimrich
Linda Dietrich
Jacqui, Kim & Family,
So sorry for your loss, our sincere sympathy.
Linda (Hodgins) & Jim Dietrich.
Linda Fox
To Joy’s Family,
Please accept my Deepest Sympathy in your loss. I did not know Joy well but I worked for her Dad many years ago at the IGA in Parkhill.
Treasure your many memories and hold them close to your hearts where she will always remain, and remember that LOVE never dies.
RIP Joy.
Sincerely,
Linda Fox
Don and Edith Lewis
To Joy’s family,
We are sorry to see that Joy has passed away.
Cherish her memories and she will not be forgotten.
Our condolence to you all.
Clara Vanderlaan
Dear Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan, grandchildren and families,
It was a pleasure to work with your mom at the Exeter Villa. We shared many memories together. Joy continued to show peace and gracefulness throughout her losses being honest in sharing her changes.
May the GOD of all Comfort guide and strengthen you in His Love in Jesus’s Name . John 14: 1-4
Sherrie Broderick/Larry Ballantyne
Dear Darling and Pollock Family,
Sending our deepest sympathy as you say goodbye to a beloved Mother, Grandmother, wife, and daughter.
Chuck & Pam Ross
Rebecca, Abbie, Maiya, and Hunter,
We’re so sorry for the loss of your amazing Mom and Grandma. She was such a special person, and your beautiful tribute truly captured her spirit. She’s now free, at peace, and her light lives on through each of you. Much love to you all.
Kathy Hayter
I am very sorry for your loss of you mother Joy. Keep all your fun loving memories close to your heart ♥
RIP Joy
Mark Heimrich
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan & families; Pollock and Darling families; and all Joy’s friends;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Joy. Another wonderful member of our community gone too soon. I’m sure you will all take comfort in knowing she has rejoined your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer
Karen Parsons Rupert
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, and families. Your mom was beautiful inside and out. She loved you all dearly. Your memories of her will hopefully get you through the tough days ahead. Thinking of you all. Rip Joy
Gord & Kendra Craig
So sorry for you and your family Reba.
May the years of amazing memories get you through this difficult time.💕
Barry & Diane Tieman
Dear girls and your families , so sorry to hear of the passing of Mom, she is now together again with Dad to enjoy eternal life together . Many many memories for the Tieman family and as your neighbours on Sanders St. We surround you with thoughts of love during this difficult time , sincerely Barry & Diane & family
Jim and Jackie Rowe
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan, and Families,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Joy’s passing.
As an official member of the 4J Fishing Club, through marriage (haha), Joy brought her warmth, and elegance to the houseboat on many a holiday. I recall getting up one morning to find Joy sitting at the table on the front deck in holiday attire, legs crossed, while sipping coffee from a china cup, and reading the newspaper. For a moment I forgot where I was, thinking it to be the French Rivera! Joy was 100% class no matter where she was.
As a family you collectively pulled together to ensure Joy’s final years were comfortable, safe and happy. What you gave was more than any mother could want. We know you will all miss her deeply. And yet, we fully believe your Dad is up there, hand extended saying, “What took you so long?” It would have been for the love of her family.
Her light will burn bright through each and every one of you – let it shine to dissolve your pain into beatitude. She would be so proud.
In love and light,
Jackie & Jim Rowe
Kerri Gingerich
Rebecca and family, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom’s / Grandmother’s passing. I’m praying that you may find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
marilyn pickering
My deepest sympathy to the Darling family. I got to know Joy while visiting my sister Eva
at the villa. She was always eager to help anytime i asked. It was a pleasure to have known her.
Sincerely Marilyn Pickering
Sharyn Kyle-Crawford
My thoughts are with Joy’s family. I often was able to golf with Joy at the Exeter Golf Club. I always thought she was so kind and beautiful. A very classy lady.
Rob and Michelle Reid
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and families, sending our thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all.
Your mom was an amazing lady in so many ways. She will be missed but never forgotten.
You all have lots of wonderful memories to hold onto that will keep her spirit alive each and every day.