We Remember

FORD, Joyce

October 31, 1925 — October 9, 2016

Joyce (Pugh) Ford passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna, just three weeks before her ninety-first birthday. Joyce showed determination and grace while fighting a lengthy battle with cancer.  Joyce was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be remembered for her loving nature and sense of humour, and was always ready to embark on new adventures.  She had a kind heart and was always there to lend a hand to those in need.  She will be greatly missed.

Joyce was born on October 31, 1925, in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, the ninth of ten children of Katie and Lewis Pugh. At age 23, Joyce left her home in Saskatchewan to travel to Montreal and work as a nanny and later as a nurse’s aid.  It was there that she met Ken Ford on a blind date.  Joyce and Ken were married on March 25, 1950 in Montreal where they raised their four children; Lark, Glenn, Don and Wendy.  Joyce retired from her job at Avon in 1989 and moved to Westbank, British Columbia, where her brother Rodger Pugh and his wife Edna resided.  Joyce and Ken travelled extensively in retirement and were active at the Westbank United Church and the Seniors Association.  Joyce carried on with her social functions after Ken passed away on December 18, 2007.  Joyce was diagnosed with cancer within the year of Ken’s passing, but bravely soldiered on and was able to return to her home in Westbank for a number of years.  Joyce moved into The Heritage in 2014 and enjoyed being surrounded by good friends.  In August of this year Joyce was admitted to the Central Okanagan Hospice House, where she received amazing care.  She passed with her daughter, Lark Ford, by her side.

Joyce is survived by her daughters: Lark Ford of West Kelowna and Wendy Dunn (John) of Calgary, her sons: Glenn (Kathy) of Whitehorse and Don (Debbie) of Toronto; Grandchildren: Christopher, Jennifer (Joe), Kenny (Penny) and Ashley Ford and Katherine, Laura and James Dunn; Great Grandchild: Berkley Ford; One sister: Mary (Pugh) Haugrud. Predeceased by brothers: Raymond, Rollo, Burton, Doug, Rodger and sisters: Ruth, Betty and Dorothy.

A memorial service will be held at the Westbank United Church, Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00 am, followed by a tea in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna. BC V1Y 2Z6, 1-250-763-5511, http://hospicecoha.org or Westbank United Church, 3672 Brown Road, West Kelowna, BC, V4T1P7, wuc@westbankunitedchurch.ca.

 

Service
October 21, 2016 at 11:00 am

Location
Westbank United Church

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