M. Joyce Elkins

Our Mother, Joyce, passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2025, at St. Andrews Terrace, Cambridge, in her 98th year. Joyce was predeceased by her parents Bram and Eva Bradford, her beloved husband of 57 years Harry, and her sister June Beaman. She is survived by her brother George (Sue), sons Greg (Linda) and Brad, grandchildren Mark (Sherry) and Jennifer (Jonathan), and great grandchildren Noah, Jacob, Samuel, Faith, Karl and Erik.

Joyce was born and raised in Preston, where she met and married Harry in 1949. When their boys were young, they moved to Maple and later to Richmond Hill, before retiring back to Cambridge. She held a variety of jobs, including receptionist at the YMCA in Galt (where she met Harry), bank teller for CIBC, and then secretary for Dominion Pegasus, a helicopter company, in Maple. She was instrumental in helping Harry establish successful travel and personnel businesses in Richmond Hill. Harry Elkins Travel allowed them to have many amazing travel experiences together.

Joyce always loved the outdoors and was active in a wide variety of athletic activities throughout her life. She enjoyed swimming, skating, curling, tennis, golf, and cross-country skiing. Later in life she was involved in yoga and exercise classes at the YMCA and Seniors Centre. She also enjoyed art and many crafts over the years, including painting, quilting, ceramics, and stained glass.

What truly defined Joyce was the way she cared for others, Harry’s mother and sister, her children and grandchildren, Harry after his stroke, and her many friends over the years. Her community involvement through Womens’ Auxiliary at the Church, Rotary and Lions Club, and her many years as a volunteer at York Central Hospital, touched the lives of so many people and brought her joy.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation and special thanks to St. Andrews Terrace and all the wonderful staff there who gave her such excellent care.

An informal gathering to celebrate and honour Joyce will be held at Coutts Funeral Home on Saturday, March 1st, from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Please come and bring your stories and memories to share. Light refreshments will follow. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in recognition of Joyce as a cancer survivor would be most appreciated by the family.