Joyce Graham passed away at Rainycrest in Fort Frances on August 9, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
Joyce was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, on October 31, 1932, to Jennie and Clark Walton. She always enjoyed being a “Halloween baby.” As a girl, Joyce and her family moved to Barrie, Ontario, where later Joyce met and married the love of her life, Ron Graham.
Joyce and Ron, through Hydro, transferred to Fort Frances. In Fort Frances they made many wonderful friends and enjoyed league bowling, playing cards and spent many weekends camping. Joyce was often on her own through the week, managing the house and kids while Ron worked out of town. She was a Brownie leader for several years. Joyce was a very independent and self-sufficient woman and took great pride in keeping everyone well-fed with delicious meals and baking. There was always something good to eat whenever friends stopped by for coffee.
In 1970, she and Ron fulfilled a long-time dream of owning a farm with Hereford cattle. She devoted herself to farm life, whether it was milking a cow, checking for calves in the middle of the night or selling many, many eggs. At this time she also was able to renew her passion for horses and riding. Joyce was always busy with cooking, baking, canning and whatever else came up. She could always be counted on to volunteer at the schools or attend events that her girls were involved in. Joyce was a wonderfully caring mother and had a deep love for her girls.
Joyce spent several years working at both Burriss and Cornerbrook Schools as a secretary and she thoroughly enjoyed the children and especially her co-workers.
In 1990, Joyce and Ron partnered in a cabin in Bergland with her special niece Wendy and her husband Ken Robinson, where they spent many happy days fishing, renovating, with the help of the sons-in-law, having bonfires and watching the river. Joyce enjoyed hosting the family and especially having the grandchildren come to stay and eat huge quantities of tacos.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband Ron and missed him every moment since his passing. She was also predeceased by parents Jennie and Clark Walton; brother Bob Walton; sisters Doris Matthews, Phyllis Exell and Blanche Forgan; and grandson Isaac Gregory.
Joyce is survived by her daughters Patti (Doug) McTavish, Leanne (Lee) Donaldson, Lisa (Brian) Gregory; grandchildren Adam (Kristen), Kyle McTavish and Craig McTavish (Erica Wiebe), Jason (Anne) Donaldson, Justin Donaldson and Danielle Gregory; great-grandchildren Paisley, Gabe, Conner, Zyah, Duncan, Ian, Freya and Luke; numerous nieces and nephews.
Although the Joyce we knew has been slipping away over the years, we will always remember her as she used to be, a warm loving mother and grandmother… always up for a game of cards.
“Love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”
A memorial service will be held at Northridge Funeral Home in Emo at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Honourary pallbearers are Joyce’s grandchildren Adam, Kyle and Craig McTavish, Jason and Justin Donaldson, and Danielle Gregory.
In lieu of flowers, memoriam donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
