Obituary of Joy (nee Lewis) RICKARDS

December 24, 1927 – Kingston, Jamaica

February 15, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with sad hearts that we say goodbye to our dear mother, loving grandmother, and trusted and loyal friend, Joy Rickards of Calgary, AB, who passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the age of 92 years. She was also beloved to her sister and brothers.

Joy was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 24, 1927. She moved with her family to Calgary in 1979. Joy married her husband Eric and they spent twenty-seven wonderful years together, before Eric passed away in 1984. Joy accomplished much throughout her life.  She loved her work at Esso Resources, both in Jamaica and here in Calgary.  She made many good friends there.  Joy was known for her eternal optimism and dedication. She will most be remembered for her warm smile and nature. Because of this, she was called “Joyous” by many. She was particularly proud of her two children, Chris and Kathy and her treasured grandchildren, Helena and Vanessa, all of whom gave her much joy.  One of the things Joy loved to do was to sing.  She especially loved to sing very enthusiastically to hymns at church.  Her Catholic faith was very important to her and upon going anywhere new as a family, the first thing we had to locate was where the nearest Catholic Church was. Joy’s most memorable vacation was when she went to Europe.  She was very much a family person and liked to stay close to home, so going to Europe after her husband passed away was a trip that provided many special memories for her. When she was living in Jamaica, family trips to the north coast, to beautiful Ocho Rios, were special times which will always be remembered fondly.

Joy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Sapieha and Aaron Fast of Calgary, AB; son and daughter-in-law, Chris Rickards and Donna Purcell of Red Deer, AB; and grandchildren, Helena and Vanessa Rickards, of Red Deer, AB. Joy is also survived by her sister, Marjorie McLaughlin, of Kingston, Jamaica, her brother Frank Lewis of Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Joy was predeceased by her husband, Eric and brothers David and Bunny.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Deerfoot South, 12281 40th Street S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joy’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Joy Rickards, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, Ab, t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403- 256-9575.