Joy Elizabeth Tanton

Joy Elizabeth (Murphy) Tanton passed away on August 8th 2017 in Halifax at age 92. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 62 years, Roy Fraser Tanton; her parents Selena (Moulton) and Reginald Murphy; her sister Helen Duffus (Andrew), brother Gordon Murphy; and son-in-law Cameron MacKeigan. Joy is survived by her daughters Wendy Harrison (David) and Barbara MacKeigan (Cameron), five grandchildren Robyn Harrison (Nikhil Kembhavi), Carolyn (Neil) Gabourie, Laura (Michael) Gray, Caitlin MacKeigan, Patrick MacKeigan, and six little greats: Kale, Luke, and Erika Joy Gabourie; Mitchell and Thomas Gray; and Rajeev Kembhavi.

Joy is remembered by her grandchildren as the epitome of a kindred spirit. Spontaneous and fun, and always able to see, and bring out, the very best in each one. She was ever energetic, and athleticism was a hallmark of Joy’s entire life. An avid basketball player in her youth, and consummate swimmer (still swimming in her 90s). She was an inspiration.

Halifax was home for Joy, and Anna Maria Island, Florida also held a special place for Joy and Roy and their entire family.

Joy was always interested in current events and was a brilliant conversationalist. In her early days, she worked for the City of Halifax Assessment Department. She was also a charter member of the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire), and an active member of the Junior League, Engineer’s Wives Association, Garden Club, Saraguay Club, Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, and The Presbyterian Church of Saint David. For over forty years, Joy was a volunteer for the Ostomy Halifax Society.

Joy had a great respect for Canada’s Armed Forces, having lost her young brother in World War II. She was an invaluable support to her husband Roy in his role as Brigadier General in Command of the Militia Area Atlantic, and she continued to wear red on Fridays all her life.

Family and friends were foremost in her life and they were inspired by her indomitable spirit, sense of humour, and zest for life.

The family extends thanks to the caring community of Melville Heights Retirement Residence, the very special care givers of Home Instead Senior Care, PhysioCare at Home, Dr. Ron Milne, Dr. Fred Archibald, Dr. Riley Stewart and all members of the team of physicians and nurses of the Halifax Infirmary and the VG Hospital 9A who cared for Joy.

A service to celebrate Joy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday September 3rd 2017 at the Presbyterian Church of Saint David 1544 Grafton Street, the Reverend Kenn Stright officiating. In lieu of visitation, there will be light refreshments at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Presbyterian Church of Saint David or a charity of your choice.