Joyce Elizabeth McNay

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In Memory of

Joyce Elizabeth McNay

August 5th, 1940 - April 28th, 2025

Obituary
Condolences

Place of Death

Kitchener, ON

Obituary

Predeceased by loving parents; W Kelso McNay & Mary A.P. Watson McNay, twin sister M. Elaine Harvey, sister Evelyn Jean Buck, brother Beverley McNay and brother-in-law Douglas Garbutt. Joyce is survived by her dear friend Peter Daniel, sisters Eleanor Garbutt and Helen (Terry) Baker, sister-in-law Jackie McNay, brothers-in-law Lionel Harvey and Charles Buck. Also survived by nephews: Peter and Craig McNay, Kyle Garbutt, nieces: Heather (Cal) Hultrgren, Amber (Steven) Layden, Kristen (Jay) Goodwin, Kendra McNay and Erin (Kevin Pattison) McNay; and 6 great nieces and 1 great nephew.

Joyce was born in Ashfield Township, Huron County near Lucknow, ON. In her teen years, she excelled in sports at Lucknow Highschool; played with the “Lucknow Scotties” softball team; sang in the Lucknow U.C. choir; & played piano duets with her twin sister at social events; in 4H Joyce achieved provincial honours. After attending Stratford Teachers’ College, Joyce taught in Underwood, Bruce County; Howick Central in Huron County; before coming to Waterloo County to teach elementary students and complete her B.A. at Wilfrid Laurier University. Volunteering was very important. Joyce canvassed many years for the Kidney Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society & the Arthritis Society. Following retirement, Joyce volunteered at the Grand River Hospital; sang and played the Bells with the Zion U.C. Choir in Kitchener. She also enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays and was big fan. Joyce was a very humble person who believed “If teachers and parents worked together there would be no problems in the school or home”.

Cremation has taken place with internment in South Kinloss Cemetery, Lucknow, ON and the family farm in Ashfield Township. At Joyce’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral.

“FAMILY was her love; FAITH was her anchor; WORK was her life; INTEGRITY was her ideal.”

Donations

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Lucknow United Church

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 309

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Message from Barb Hayden2025-05-07 15:53:03

Remembering Joyce as my grade eight teacher at Howick Central School. It was a new school and new teachers and she was loved by her students and teacher friends...1964 That was a special year for me because of her teaching style, and passing me into ninth grade. Will always remember her, RIP

Message from Lyle Virtue2025-05-06 10:47:45

Condolences on Miss McNays passing. She was a great teacher who taught us at Underwood SS # 7 schojol fresh out of teachers college. She stayed across the road from the school at Harold & Alice Leggett . Some of her students would only have been five years younger than her. She is predeceased by at least six studends.

Message from Margaret Fannon2025-05-06 00:13:59

Sincere condolences to all the family. In particular to Helen and Terry and Heather and Amber and their families. I knew Joyce many years ago when I supply taught at Crestview Public School and perhaps as a bell ringer at Zion when I taught ESL there.

Message from Janet (Farrish) Versolatto 2025-05-05 22:12:46

So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. My condolences to the Family Janet (Farrish) Versolatto

Message from Doug Hargrave2025-05-05 20:33:22

Joyce was my grade six teacher in Howick. Such a fine teacher and role model! God speed Miss Mcnay

Message from Angus Cline 2025-05-04 20:29:25

Eleanor & Helen: So very sorry to learn of Joyce's passing!

Message from Patricia and Murray Hunter2025-05-02 21:43:11

We extend our sincere sympathy to Peter, Eleanor, Helen, Lionel, Charles and families on Joyce's passing. Joyce contributed in many ways to her family, church, students and wider community. She will be deeply missed. Treasure the times you spent together. Patricia and Murray

Message from Joanne (Crozier) Bushell2025-05-02 12:51:19

Sincere condolences to Eleanor and Helen and Joyce’s nieces and nephews on her passing. Treasure all the memories you have of Joyce. These will help you in the days ahead.

Message from Dianne Young2025-05-02 12:42:22

Deepest condolences to family and friends of Joyce. She was an amazing lady and was fortunate to meet her and Peter at the dances. We had many wonderful evenings dancing at different dance places. Peter I am sorry for your loss of your dear friend Joyce. Hopefully wonderful memories will help through these trying times. ❤️Dianne Young

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