Eleanor Joy Smith

June 29, 1933 - April 9, 2025

Eleanor Joy, known to all as Joy, passed away peacefully at AgeCare McKenzie Town after over two years in long-term care. Joy was adamant about being called by her middle name and not Eleanor.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Joy grew up in Saint John and Moncton. She is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Herbert (Herb). Though they did not have children, Joy was very close to three younger cousins who were like siblings to her, although they have passed on.

Joy graduated from Saint John High School and spent a year at Vocational School, acquiring secretarial and administrative skills. She worked for various companies throughout her adult life, including Canadian Pacific Railway, Empire Company (Sobeys), and Fleur Canada, retiring from Fleur Canada in 1993.

After marrying Herb (a banker) in 1959, they moved frequently across the Maritimes and relocated from Halifax to Calgary in 1979. Joy loved the outdoor life, enjoying sailing, cottage stays by the sea, camping, canoeing, and walks on the beaches. Although she missed the ocean after moving to Calgary, the mountains soon became a second favorite, with activities like camping, hiking, and skiing.

Joy's camping adventures included backpacking, canoe trips, travel trailers, and motorhomes. She and Herb made four trips across Canada from Calgary, visited the West Coast of British Columbia, Alaska, the Yukon, and their last trip was to Haida Gwaii. Her love for canoeing began as a teenager, taking organized trips on the Saint John River system, and continued with wilderness canoe trips in Ontario and British Columbia with Herb.

Joy was very outgoing and had a great smile. Even while in long-term care, visits would bring a big smile that would lighten up the room. She will be deeply missed.

A heartfelt thank you to all the hardworking, caring staff at AgeCare McKenzie Town who looked after Joy for the last two years.