Obituary of Joyce Emily GRAY (nee Hartridge)

September 4, 1924 – Sleaford, England
January 31, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Friday, January 31, 2020 at the age of 95 years.

Joyce was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England on September 4, 1924. She arrived in Winnipeg, Canada in 1946 with her infant son to join her husband John, a Canadian soldier she met and married in England in 1945. Sadly, Joyce lost her loving husband too soon, at the young age of 27. Joyce moved to Calgary in 1972 to continue her work at United Feeds and where she eventually retired in 1987. In Calgary, Joyce made many new and lasting friendships through work and play, especially hiking and lawn bowling. Joyce was active in mind and body and did everything with enthusiasm and passion, whether it was watching her Winnipeg sports teams or enjoying a glass of good Scotch. Mum was unfailingly kind and generous, a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was spirited and quick to laugh, always with a twinkle in her eye. She will be dearly missed.

Joyce is survived by her sons, John (Sandra) of Winnipeg, MB, and Bryan of Calgary, AB; her grandchildren, Alison and Laura (Jamie); and great-grandchildren, Kieran, Ethan, and Isobel. Joyce is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Edna Hartridge of Arundel, England, and Evelyn Cook of Thunder Bay, ON; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Joyce is predeceased by her siblings, Peter, Joan, Bill and Pat.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joyce’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Joyce Gray a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.