Lorena Joy McPhatter Doyle

Mom was born to Aileen and Murray McPhatter on a beautiful summer morning in August. She was the second daughter in a family of five. She had two older brothers, Grant and Graham aka Bud as well as two sisters, older sister Gay and younger sister Lynne. While growing up they moved around the lower mainland, beginning in Abbotsford, where mom was born. From an early age, mom, when asked where she lived would always spell it out real fast A-B-B-O-T-S-F-O-R-D, it took me many times of hearing it to actually know what she was spelling....she was that fast, until finally arriving in Ambleside. Their beach side cottage in Ambleside was a piece of paradise to be sure and the envy of many friends during those hot summer months.

Mom grew into a beautiful young lady and being very independent and with an appreciation for nice clothing, she began her pursuit of the perfect employment. It was during the start of one of those new jobs that she caught the attention of her future love and soul mate. And the rest as they say "is history."

Mom's love for the man she married never faltered. She loved him entirely until the day she died.

Mom was a true lady, in the way she dressed (which was always to the nines and her style reflected the time she was in), her elegance was also in her manners, and in the way she presented herself.

Her family always came first above everything else she never missed an opportunity to share in all events, occasions and special times, not to mention the many wonderful hugs that began and ended with every visit. She was also an emotional powerhouse when met with adversity.

Mom had many lifelong friends that were equally important to her. She loved her many shared movies, meals, walks, birthday lunches and get togethers.

Mom was a private person. Soft spoken, considerate of others, respectful, and sentimental. Confidentiality was very important to her and she was always happy in knowing friends or family could confide in her knowing it would never be shared with others.

Her flair for decorating and colour schemes were like pages out of home and garden magazines and where there was a place for everything and everything in its place.

Mom loved to cook and entertain, and the welcoming feeling you would get when entering her home would envelope you like a nice warm blanket. her table would be set up to perfection for a wonderful tea or scrumptious meal. You would never know while sitting there that her love for the latest puzzle would be tucked discreetly under the tablecloth.

Great sense of humour, and a good sport. Mom found it easy to jump right in and try something new, be part of a good game or be an enthusiastic observer. She was also in tune and accepting of generational changes in the young, after all it was only hair or clothing.

Mom, Nana, Joy always smelled good. Your nose was always buried in her wonderful aroma when those warm and enveloping hugs were being shared. Her fragrance would comfort and carry long after she was gone.

Mom was predeceased by her dear brother Grant, her brothers-in-law Neeloo, Del and Les and sisters-in-law Gladys and Joan. She is survived by her brother Graham aka Bud (Dana), sisters Gay (Wayne), and Lynne as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. Mom is also survived by Dad's family. Sisters Audrey (Stan), Margi (John) and Doreen, and again many wonderful nieces and nephews.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mom, Nana, Grand-nana and Good Friend.

Predeceased by her Beloved Husband Gerry on January 11, 1988.

She is survived by her son Craig, (Suzie), daughter Kerry, (Mike) Granddaughter Jenny (Tommy) Grandsons Chase, (Heather) Clay and Josh and Great-Granddaughters Maja and Sylvi.

Joy will always be remembered by her love and dedication to her family and friends.

“May the sun shine down upon you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the road rise to meet you

And may the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.”

There will be a Service in her Honor on Tuesday February 23rd, 2010 at 11.00am at Sutton’s Funeral Chapel, 502 South Dogwood Street, Campbell River, BC.

We will follow with a Celebration of her Life at the Maritime Heritage Center, 621 Island Highway, Campbell River, BC at 2.00pm.