Joy Hazel Ferne Nash

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joy Hazel Ferne Nash 84, on January 28, 2026 with her husband by her side at Evergreen Seniors Home.

Joy was born in Regina Saskatchewan, the daughter of the late Hazel and John Lester. Joy started school at the age of three accompanying her mother Hazel as she taught in a one room school house in Pleasant Corners and Carragana. She was a bright beautiful girl loved by the older children. Her childhood was filled with love and adventure including travel and time at her Auntie’s cottage with extended family and friends.

During her high school years she excelled in music and athletics- singing, acting, playing trombone, and leading the Regina Lions Marching Band - marching and throwing her flaming baton high into the sky.

Joy attended UBC where her parents hoped she wouldn’t meet a prairie farmer - she fell in love the first week with Lynn a farmer from Ontario - they have been inseparable since, eloping during final exams their first year of University, when she was 18.

Their son Dan came along the next year and she juggled motherhood and school attaining her Teacher’s Certificate while bringing up three children under five. She started teaching school after their youngest child Laurel was born. Her students loved her and her creativity kept everyone engaged and keen to learn. She continued her career as an educator in the north, retiring as a music teacher and librarian in Campbell River - with a break along the way to work at the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery and developed a curriculum that is still used in classrooms today.

Joy was passionate and family was her focus. She was so proud and supportive of her children and grandchildren. Our home was always open and chaotic as there were usually several pets, strays, relatives, kids friends and/or travellers enjoying her love and generosity. She was involved in all the kids activities as they grew up from hockey to cadets to debating and everything in between and was a fan or shoulder to cry on depending on how things went. She supported Lynn on any of the adventures he brought the family on regardless of what they might be - including moving across Canada in a moving van or to the “North Pole” (Iqaluit) to take up teaching positions in the 1970s.

Joy’s love of music was infectious and our lives were filled with music and song both at home and school. After her retirement she continued in musical theatre and was in a number of musicals with the Campbell River Singers. She and Lynn were very active in the Campbell River antique car club and had many adventures and deep friendships with those in the club.

Joy was an extremely strong woman. Though her heart was broken when Patrick passed away tragically at 18, and she had many health issues later in life, she remained positive and active. Joy and Lynn’s love was enduring, through the good and bad times in life.

Survived and deeply missed by her husband Lynn of 66 years; son Dan (Bonnie Lee), Calgary; daughter Laurel (Steve) Victoria; grandchildren James, Joy, Robert, Aaron and Angela; and brother John Chilliwack.

She is predeceased by her beloved son Patrick.

We will miss her humour, kindness and love.

We would like to thank the caring staff at Evergreen Seniors Centre for their compassion and care over the past eight months and the amazing team at the Campbell River Head Injury Society as they rekindled Joy’s passion for art and community.

A service will be held Feb 20 , 2:00 pm at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Campbell River, BC.

Donations may be made in Joy’s memory to the Campbell River Head Injury Support Society, the CNIB Guide Dogs Program or your local food bank.