Joyce Hunter

Joyce passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Extendicare Van Daele, following a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's, which she faced with remarkable strength, dignity, and grace.

Joyce was born on July 30, 1934, on the White family homestead in Leeburn, Ontario, where she was raised and where her love of family and community first took root. Joyce cherished her childhood deeply and spoke often of her early years, especially stories about her big brothers, Harvey and Gordon, who both served in World War II and whom she and her sister Betty adored. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, David and Lillian White, and her siblings, Margaret, Harvey (Anne), and Gordon (Riek). She is survived by her sister Betty Cunningham (late John). She will be remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Joyce was the devoted wife of Edwin Hunter, with whom she shared 66 beautiful years of marriage. She shared a strong and loving bond with Ed’s family, including his parents, late Louis and late Annie Hunter of Desbarats, as well as Ed’s siblings and their families.

Joyce loved telling the story of how she and Ed first started dating. As the story goes, she was working in Desbarats, and Ed, an electrician by trade, had just returned from working overseas on a multi-year power dam project in Pakistan. He had recently bought a new camera and, as Joyce would often teasingly recount, used it as an excuse to introduce himself – asking if he could “test it out” by taking her photo. What began as playful charm quickly grew into a lifelong love story.

Shortly after their marriage, Joyce and Ed moved to the family farm on Lake George Road, where they settled and lived for nearly sixty years. The family farm remains a special place for the entire family, where horse and snowmobile rides took place and family gatherings created memories spanning generations.

Family was everything to Joyce. As the matriarch of the family, she was the steady presence who brought everyone together, remembered every detail, and ensured no one ever felt forgotten. She will be deeply missed by her children Brenda (Eric), Patti (late Esko), Sandra, Rod (Mona), David, Darwin (Debbie), Carla (Derek). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Sean (Kate), Christa, Tiffany (Derek), Jon (Mike), Lacey (Orry), Gordon (Marsha), Tyler (Sarah), Morgan (late David), Brooke (Aaron), Danielle (Garry), Devin (Summer), Emily, Courtney (Peter), Davey (Saige), Amanda (Neil), Nick (Jennifer), Rebecca (Cody), Carli (Bradley), Jenna (Erik), and a devoted great-grandmother - lovingly known as “GG” - to Will, Sam, Aspen, Myles, Lakyn, Darius, Isaac, Isla, Kilian, Alora, Edwin, Kenzi, Hunter, Cole, Sadie, Ellis, Paul, Maverick, Joseph, Amelia, James, Ryker, Levi, Emily and James.

Joyce had a remarkable gift for remembering names and birthdates and ensured everyone felt loved and celebrated. This extended not only to her seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren, but also to their partners as well - a reflection of how closely she held her family in her heart.

While much of her life was devoted to raising her family, Joyce also worked in the cafeteria at Central Algoma Secondary School for many years, where she became a familiar and caring presence to generations of students from Algoma area.

Joyce took great joy in keeping people connected - whether by ensuring family holiday traditions continued year after year or helping organize Leeburn school and family reunions. She believed people were better off when they were together.

Above all else, Joyce loved to keep busy and did so well into her 80s. Whether attending bingo, knitting in her rocking chair while watching her favourite program, or chatting on the phone with friends and family, she never liked to be bored.

Christmas was especially sacred to her - a season she always looked forward to and filled with warmth, tradition, and generosity. She also loved old-time music and dancing, her eyes and smile would brighten whenever one of her favourite tunes or artists played, even into the late stages of her illness.

While the entire family will miss her immensely, they take comfort in knowing she is now in a better place - likely taking part in a square dance or winning a hand or two of Rummy.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Van Daele, who provided exceptional care to Joyce over the past four and a half years. A very special thank you to Ann and Kelly for their deep compassion and kindness toward mom - you are both angels.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522) on Saturday, January 3, 2025, between 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. A Celebration of Life to follow at 1:00 pm. Mr. George Wright officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 1:00 pm and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Joyce's name to view the service. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to the Alzheimer Society Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District or to the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com