WILLIAMS, Jocelyne

April 1, 1946 – Elk Point, Alberta December 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Jocelyne Williams, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 74 years.

Those who knew Joyce felt her ever-present love, her kindness and her patience. She was a steadfast beacon of light and source of calm, who selflessly gave of herself, always placing the needs of others before her own. The beauty and grace of Jocelyne Lucienne Williams (nee Gamache) was brought into the world on April 1,1946, and beside her beloved husband, Robert (Bob); her “darling girl”, Dionne: her dearest son-in-law, John; and her precious granddaughters, Lauren and Rowan, lived a life rich with laughter and love, brightening the lives of so many along the way.

Joyce grew up in St. Paul, Alberta, as the youngest of five children: Guy (Florence) Gamache (deceased), Mariette (Al) Dawson, Charles (Terry) Gamache, and Anna (Stan) Pratch. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob. They later married in 1967 and three and half years later Dionne was born. Joyce’s world centred on her family, and she was happiest when she was caring for them. Her tender nature coupled with her passion and knowledge is what also made her an exceptional teacher. She taught for 38 years, mostly teaching grade one; she created lasting impressions on students and formed enduring friendships with colleagues. It was only the chance to care for her grandchildren that led her from her career, and she and Bob moved from Medicine Hat to Calgary in 2005 to seize this gift. Joyce devoted herself to Dionne, John and her granddaughters. As the girls grew, playtime evolved into long chats, making crafts became creating works of art, and walking them to school turned to worrying about when they would safely return home on their own. After her battle with cancer in 2012, Joyce rekindled her love of painting and drawing, and she spent countless hours taking classes, learning new techniques and styles that she loved to experiment with and master. This past October Joyce learned that she would once again have to battle cancer. She took each day as it came, each time looking only for the joy that exists in our world.

Joyce was a woman of strength and courage whose eternal love will be felt forever. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joyce’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. A special thank you to the staff of Unit 74 at Rockyview Hospital and of Unit 46 at Foothills Hospital, who worked tirelessly to make Joyce comfortable.

In living memory of Joyce Williams, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.