Joyce Marie Dempsey

It is with grieving hearts that we announce the passing of our dearest mother, mother in law, grand mother, great grand mother and friend, Joyce Marie Dempsey who passed away peacefuly at home on December 20, 2019. She was 89 years young!!

There was simply no one like her. She was an only child and lost her mother (Theresa Heron of Cape Breton) at age two and her loving englishman father (Harry Hussey) at age ten. Joyce married into a large family of eight boys (Paul Dempsey) whose dad saw plenty of activity during the second world war as captain of one of the many pilot patrol boats protecting Halifax Harbour. Although they lived in the city they also enjoyed their herring cove cottage where she and her family enjoyed countless happy summers.

Joyce travelled the world after retirement, enjoying many trips to Europe, Australia, Russia, China, and Lebanon.

But this amazing Nova Scotian woman has also left behind a record of voluntary service to the community. She served more than 14 jobs on the executive of the office of the Halifax Homeowners Association. Joyce was a loyal supporter of Via Rail retirees where she worked for over twenty years, keeping in touch with her many colleagues. She supported the restoration of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Brunswick St. and attended many fund raising events, associated with the project.

We were especially astounded when mom decided to attend Saint Mary’s University at age sixty-three after she retired. We were even more surpised when she was awarded a part time achievement scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achivement. Lets not forget to mention the fact that she was usually seen patroling Quinpool Road with her faithful puppy Benji riding shotgun. She was a very special person who had energy to burn, great love for her family, a huge zest for life and such a force of nature. She did it her way!!!!

Joyce is predeceased by her parents Harry and Theresa Hussey and husband Paul Cuthbert Dempsey.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Bassam) Nahas, who was more than any son could have been to her. Susan Dempsey-Grant (David) , grandsons Norman (Rita) Nahas, Nicholas (Sara) Nahas, Andrew (Nina) Nahas, great grandchildren Bassam, Bianca, Zara, Zane, Lachlan, and Lincoln, brothers in laws Murray (Lucienne) Dempsey - Ottawa, Peter (Lorraine) Dempsey, sisters in law Gloria and Jeanette Dempsey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to her faithful group of neighbours who constantly surrounded her. Thank you Kelly, Marie, Leslie, Grace, Rob and Val, and Dulcie because you truly helped to enabled her to remain in her home that she had loved for 75 years. Thanks also to Dr. FIndley Spicer, and Dr. Hussein Baydoun both of whom patiently and compassionately gave such kind attention until the end.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of J. A. Snow Funeral Home on 339 Lacewood Dr with visitation on January 2 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Burial mass will take place at 11:00 am in St Paul’s Catholic Church in Herring Cove village with a reception following at home of Linda and Bassam Nahas. Burial will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.

To leave online condolences visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

Our consolation now mom is that we imagine you as the butterfly who has emerged from your cocoon of pain. You are now free. If we were to want you to remain with us it would only because we are selfish. You will be sadly missed, yet fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing you. We love you mom and will forever miss you. Go in peace.