Joyce "Nanny B" Boutilier

Joyce was a devoted mother, proudest of her role as the heart of a large and loving family. She raised eight children, each of whom she cherished beyond measure. Her strength, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to her family were constants throughout her life. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Henry, and by her children, Henry, Edison, and April. She is survived by Gail (Robert Sheppard), Barbara Jean (Billy Gillis), Anita (Lewis Boutilier), Winnie, Darryl (Heather), Cynthia Boutilier, Colleen Boutilier, and Kenny Ferguson. Also left to mourn are her 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, brothers Gordon (Diddy) Parsons and Calvin Parsons, brother-in-law, Bobby Boutilier Sr., and her best friend/sister Kaye Yorke. She shared an especially close bond with her sister Kaye. They often travelled together and were each other’s rock.

She is also predeceased by her parents, Hubert and Sadie Parsons, her granddaughter, Lynda Boutilier, her son-in-law Gerald MacNeil, and her brother-in-law, Tommy Yorke.

A dedicated and tireless worker, Joyce served as head of Central Sterilizing Unit at the Glace Bay General Hospital where she was known for her work ethic, reliability, and leadership. Joyce enjoyed the simple things in life, such as watching her boys play baseball and hockey, a hot cup of tea, watching her favourite shows (Price is Right and Murder She Wrote) and decorating for the holidays.

Her memory will live on in her surviving children, grand children, and great grandchildren. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Seaview Manor for the care, kindness, and compassion they showed our Mother throughout her time there. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 11 at 11am at Patten Funeral Home, Glace Bay. There will be time to meet and gather with the family for an hour prior to the service. Internment to take place in Greenwood Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting pattenfuneral.com. Any donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“She gave us roots to ground us,

And wings to help us soar.

Her love will always be our compass,

Now and forever more.”