Obituary of Marion Joyce Smith

MARION JOYCE SMITH

November 25, 1934 – April 6, 2022.

Joyce passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on April 6, 2022, in her 88th year. Reunited with her husband Jack and son Tim.

Cherished mother of Bonnie Johnson (Charlie), Randy Smith (Cathy), Gloria Glockling (Neil), Peggy Smith (Tamie) and Penny Judson.

Proud and loving grandmother to Gwen Short (Tom), Gerard Lavoie (Deanna), Tom Smith (Kelsie), Rachel Smith, Erik Glockling (Vicki), Jennifer Blimke (Jody), Robynn Frazier (Victor) and Joshua Hatchard (Lindsay).

Great-Grandmother to Avery and Morgan Bond, Jacques, Chloe, and Maxim Lavoie, Cooper and Scarlett Smith, Olivia and Dominik Glockling, Emerson Frazier, and Marie Hatchard.

Survived by her siblings, Mary-Jane Salmon (Late Jack) and James Leckie (Late Betty).

Joyce is predeceased by her parents James Newton Leckie and Adeline Maud Sproat, her sisters, Jean Branson (Late Art), Helen Leckie and Margaret McClure (David).

Joyce will be dearly missed by many extended family and friends.

Joyce was born in Virden Manitoba, met her husband Jack at Brandon University, married in Gravenhurst in 1954 and lived in various places in Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree at Waterloo University, all while managing the dairy farm in Elmira and raising her six children.

In 1971 Joyce and Jack moved the family to New Lowell where she became an active and accomplished member of the community for over 40 years. Joyce was quite involved in the New Lowell United Church and showed a keen interest in all levels of government. Above all, Joyce’s passion during her time in New Lowell was her work with the library. Joyce earned her Library Science Degree at Georgian College and started a career with the Clearview Public Library. She played an integral part in establishing the newly built library currently located in New Lowell. In 2007 & 2008 her efforts were recognized by both The Province of Ontario and The Ontario Public Library Association with the presentation of Ontario Senior of the Year award and the James Bain Medallion for Public Library trustee of the Year.

Joyce’s most precious moments were the time spent at the cottage in Sundridge. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of her kids, the grandkids, and the solitude of the sunsets over Lake Bernard.

As per Joyce’s wishes cremation has taken place.

A Service will be held June 4, 2022, at 11am at the New Lowell United Church followed by a Celebration of Joyce’s life at the New Lowell Legion from 1-5pm.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Flex unit nurses: Brett, Cassandra, Jodie, Jacob, Jeff, LeeAnn, Tim, Sherry, Kelly, and Nicole, to Dr. Blackadar, Dr. Halpert, and pastors Herb and Jeff.

A special thank you to the entire staff of The Empire Living Center for their care and compassion.

Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Clearview Public Library – Sunnidale Branch (5237 County Rd. 9 New Lowell, Ontario L0M 1N0) or New Lowell United Church (5227 County Road 9, New Lowell, Ontario, L0M 1N0).