Joyce Hazel Clark

Suddenly on 5 January 2015 in the Royal Jubilee Hospital, at the age of 81. Joyce leaves behind her beloved husband of 57 years Lieutenant-Commander (retd.) F. Gordon Clark.

A graduate of the Toronto East General Hospital School of Nursing graduating at the top of her class, Joyce joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Nursing Officer holding the rank of Sub-Lieutenant serving at HMCS Stadacona Hospital, where she met Gordon at breakfast in the Officers Mess when he asked her to pass the salt.

Her love and smile will forever be missed by her adoring sons Robert (Teresa) of Brussels, Bruce (Adrienne) of Victoria, and David (Lorrie) of Cambridge, ON, by her grandchildren; Andrew, Christopher, Greggory, Sharon and Rowan, and her great grandchildren; Jordyn, Caleb and Noah.

Predeceased by her parents William and Florence McConnell, her brother Robert McConnell, sister Mae McCoppen, and dear nephew Dana McConnell.

Family was important to Joyce and she viewed Gordon’s family as her own. She is predeceased by Barbara (Clark) Billings, and survived by Ainslie and Cath Clark of Ottawa and Norrie McConnell of Guelph, all of whom she considered to be her brother and sisters.

She was immensely proud of her nieces and nephews, Lori, Wendy, Jane, Diane; MJ, Drew, and John.

Her kindness and love of life created life-long friends everywhere she went. She was a woman who engaged life fully, with common sense, curiosity and a keen intellect. Throughout her life Joyce remained active as a valued volunteer. She was recognized by the Canadian Red Cross for more than 25 years volunteer service at Blood Donor Clinics. One of the original volunteers with the Victoria Police Departments fledgling Community Policing Office in James Bay where she was recognized for 10 years volunteer service.

Internment to take place Saturday May 9th at 11:00 AM at God’s Acre Veterans Cemetery in Esquimalt

In lieu of flowers, when the cherry blossoms Joyce so loved return to Victoria each year, pause for a moment to enjoy their beauty and think of her.