Joyce Estella Silander (nee Westover), 84, peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.
Joyce was born Feb. 10, 1932 in Barwick, Ont. to the late Milton and Ida Westover.
Joyce was united in marriage to Leo Silander on Sept. 12, 1951 in Fort Frances, Ont. The couple later moved to Atikokan, Ont., where sons, Everett, Larry, and Dale were born.
Joyce and Leo bought Pakwash Camp in 1970 and owned/operated the tourist camp until 1988, when they retired in Ear Falls, Ont.
Joyce was a member of the Legion, and worked and volunteered many hours at various events throughout the years. She was part-owner/operator of a successful tourist camp.
Joyce was very fond of animals, fishing, and the outdoors, and enjoyed knitting and gardening. She also loved to keep in touch with family and friends, enjoyed having company, and passing on history and stories of bygone years.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Leo Silander, on Aug. 7, 1999.
Joyce is survived by her three sons, Everett (Heather) of Edson, Alta., Larry (Anne) of Ear Falls, Ont., and Dale of Chelmsford, Ont.; two grandsons and six granddaughters; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service was held Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the Ear Falls Legion, with Pastor Jonathan Elgby officiating.
Internment was at the Ear Falls Cemetery.
The pallbearers included her two grandsons, Dennis and Cody Silander, as well as Jim Thain, Jerry Williamson, Sean Monteith, and Pat Cullen.
The honourary pallbearers were Bill Anderson and Bill Coulson.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Ear Falls Community Health Centre c/o Herold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 237, Red Lake, Ont., P0V 2M0.