Obituary for Joyce Knowles Williams
WILLIAMS, Joyce Knowles
nee Smith
Passed away peacefully at Chartwell Brant Centre, Burlington on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the age of 91. Predeceased by her husband Bill Williams and sister Merle Smith. Loved mother of Brian (Linda), Brenda Coles, Barbara Gilbart (Doug), Sharon, Barry (Diana), Joan Hassey (Bob), Bonnie Maloney, and Stephen (Sandra). Cherished Gran of 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Joyce was forever taking on many ambitions and goals over her lifetime, such as: Accomplished singer as a graduate of Royal Ontario Conservatory of Music as an 18 year old girl. She directed church choirs and played the organ in several different churches over many years. Her direction as a voice coach resulted in winning many Kiwanis Music Festivals with her students. Joyce took part as Music director in a Jesus Christ Superstar production in early 1970’s, with sold out performances. She was a soloist for numerous weddings over many years Joyce enjoyed her position as Music librarian McMaster University. After retirement Joyce became involved with The Literacy Council of Burlington helping new comers to Canada learn the English language and grammar; something she was fastidious about when raising her eight children. Joyce was a longtime supporter and season ticket holder of The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and had a role in The Conductors Circle “after concert social“ for any years. She supported The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for several years as season ticket holder. After having several health issues and finally having to sell her home of 60+ years,
Joyce never slowed down. She has lived in a seniors residence taking part in almost every program such as jewellery making , and beading, making greeting cards for the residence for Birthdays, floral arranging, and most notably was asked to sit on the Ontario Board of Residents Council. Her role was as advocate for residents and a lobbyist for better funding for Ontario Senior residences. Maybe the most amazing accomplishment was to be accepted as a recipient of a cochlear implant after losing all her hearing in September 2016 at 88. After waiting 2 years the implant it was finally surgically implanted. She was one of the most successful candidate in this program. Mostly due to her sharp mind at her age. We would like to give thanks to Dr Carness and all the Staff at Brant Centre for all the wonderful care and kindness given in these difficult days for Mom’s care over the past 5 years. Mom and the family have so much respect and appreciation for all they do for our ageing loved ones. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Brant Street (at Blairholm) on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery followed by a reception at the cemetery reception room. For those who wish, memorial contributions in memory of Joyce to The Literacy Council of Burlington would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
nee Smith
Passed away peacefully at Chartwell Brant Centre, Burlington on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the age of 91. Predeceased by her husband Bill Williams and sister Merle Smith. Loved mother of Brian (Linda), Brenda Coles, Barbara Gilbart (Doug), Sharon, Barry (Diana), Joan Hassey (Bob), Bonnie Maloney, and Stephen (Sandra). Cherished Gran of 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Joyce was forever taking on many ambitions and goals over her lifetime, such as: Accomplished singer as a graduate of Royal Ontario Conservatory of Music as an 18 year old girl. She directed church choirs and played the organ in several different churches over many years. Her direction as a voice coach resulted in winning many Kiwanis Music Festivals with her students. Joyce took part as Music director in a Jesus Christ Superstar production in early 1970’s, with sold out performances. She was a soloist for numerous weddings over many years Joyce enjoyed her position as Music librarian McMaster University. After retirement Joyce became involved with The Literacy Council of Burlington helping new comers to Canada learn the English language and grammar; something she was fastidious about when raising her eight children. Joyce was a longtime supporter and season ticket holder of The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and had a role in The Conductors Circle “after concert social“ for any years. She supported The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for several years as season ticket holder. After having several health issues and finally having to sell her home of 60+ years,
Joyce never slowed down. She has lived in a seniors residence taking part in almost every program such as jewellery making , and beading, making greeting cards for the residence for Birthdays, floral arranging, and most notably was asked to sit on the Ontario Board of Residents Council. Her role was as advocate for residents and a lobbyist for better funding for Ontario Senior residences. Maybe the most amazing accomplishment was to be accepted as a recipient of a cochlear implant after losing all her hearing in September 2016 at 88. After waiting 2 years the implant it was finally surgically implanted. She was one of the most successful candidate in this program. Mostly due to her sharp mind at her age. We would like to give thanks to Dr Carness and all the Staff at Brant Centre for all the wonderful care and kindness given in these difficult days for Mom’s care over the past 5 years. Mom and the family have so much respect and appreciation for all they do for our ageing loved ones. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Brant Street (at Blairholm) on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery followed by a reception at the cemetery reception room. For those who wish, memorial contributions in memory of Joyce to The Literacy Council of Burlington would be sincerely appreciated by the family.