Obituary of M. Joyce Hayward

Surrounded by family and dear friend Elizabeth Fleiger, Joyce Hayward of Quispamsis, NB passed peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on August 19, 2009, at the age of 84. Born in Moncton, NB on April 5, 1925, she was the daughter of George and Myrtle Blakney. As a young adult Joyce attended nursing school at the General Hospital in Saint John. While there she met and married William (Bill) Hayward in 1948. Together they had three sons: Peter, David and Mark. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, David (Cathy) and Mark (Truly); her five grandchildren, Barbara, Allyson, Sarah, Jennifer and Elizabeth; her special friend Elizabeth Fleiger; and her dog Annie as well as by her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Bill, her husband of 51 years, her son Peter (deceased 1971), her sister Betty (Jennings) and her brother Hilbert (Blake). Joyce’s life was filled with joy and laughter and she was cherished by all for her love, positive attitude and generosity. She was devoted to her family and her grandchildren, who will each remember their special trip to Europe and Australia with their grandmother. She will also be fondly remembered by her surrogate family, the Fleigers, who included her in their family activities. Joyce enjoyed the company of many friends and welcomed whoever would arrive at her door. She was active in her community, giving generously of her time to the Centenary Queen Square United Church and volunteering with the Girl Guide Movement as a Leader and Commissioner and later as a member of the Trifoil Guild, She loved bird watching, and was always a wealth of knowledge on just about any current subject. She was an avid reader, as well, and always made sure that her books were recycled to new readers when she was finished. Joyce was also a member of the Riverside Golf and Curling Club and the Union Club. A private family service will be held graveside in Fernhill Cemetery in the days to come. Joyce’s many friends and family members are invited to a celebration of her life on Sunday, August 30, 2009, 2 to 4 pm, at the Lily Lake Pavilion, Rockwood Park, Saint John. The family requests that in lieu of floral tributes, remembrances be made in Joyce’s name to any of her favorite charities … the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the United Way … or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).