Joyce Isabelle Wilder

Joyce Isabelle Wilder (nee Yeates) passed away peacefully, aged 97, at Zion Park Manor in Surrey, BC, attended by loving family members on October 17, 2025.

Joyce was a devoted wife to the late William (Bill) Wilder for 72 years, until his passing in 2022; loving mother of David (Marie), Kathryn (Stuart), Paula (Stephen), Dan (Sue), and Jennifer (Andrew); beloved grandmother of Joshua (Diana), Matthew (Laura), Philippe (Elise), Jesse (Jessica), Pierre (Olivia), Melissa, Nicholas (Annikke), Michael, and Allison; and treasured great-grandmother of Isaac, William, Samuel, Thomas, Eleanor, Jack, Claire D, Olivia, Claire W, Charlotte, Theo, Nell, Levi, Jamie, and Maisie.

Joyce was born on July 7, 1928, to James and Martha (nee Wylie) Yeates, in Capreol, Ontario. She grew up there with her older brother Jim, all her grandparents, and many cousins nearby. After leaving school, she moved to Parry Sound, Ontario, where she met her future husband Bill, beginning their long life together and raising their family, with moves in Ontario to Nobel and Pembroke, to Deep River and Ottawa. In retirement, Bill and Joyce set up home in Abbotsford, BC, and then in White Rock/South Surrey.

Joyce enjoyed get togethers with family and friends, shared meals, singalongs, camping, and games. She was a leader in Brownies and in Canadian Girls in Training, as well as a volunteer at the Ottawa Handicapped Society and an active member in the Anglican Church.

Throughout her life, Joyce made a warm, positive impression on those who met her. In condolences received since her passing, she has been described as a beautiful, kind-hearted woman; a lovely person with a ready smile and a loving heart; a great hostess who welcomed all with open arms; a kind and gentle soul. The care aides at Zion Park Manor who attended to her so lovingly remarked on her wonderful smile and sweet nature. Even in her final days, Joyce remained full of joy on seeing family members.

Heartfelt thanks to all those who cared for Joyce over the last few years, including the compassionate staff at both Peninsula Retirement Residence and Zion Park Manor.

A private memorial service for Joyce was followed later by interment at Victory Memorial Park in Surrey, BC, next to her beloved Bill.