Joyce was my MA supervising professor when I studied Children's Drama at the UofA in the early 1980s. But, of course, she was so much more. Joyce became an inspiration to me - professionally as well as personally - a guiding example of how to reach out and build "communities", how to be a strong, outspoken artist AND a mom and partner, how to question meaningless rules, express "crazy" new ideas and follow through with it, how to embrace new challenges and turn them into creative discoveries and how to appreciate the many big and small moments that make up life.
I moved from children's drama to filmmaking and Joyce continued to be a supportive advocate of my work. We loved to talk about stories, books and films when ever I visited Calgary and she often offered critical feedback on my film scripts. In 2010, she even acted in one of my shortfilms called Granny Baby. To direct Joyce, made our relationship come full circle - she trusted me as the director, just like I trusted her as my dedicated, incredibly strong and insightful lead actor in my film.
To Joyce's family, I express my sincere condolences. Joyce talked always so proudly of you.
And to Joyce I like to say: thank you so very much for all you've shared with me so generously. I will deeply miss you, my teacher and friend.
Eva Colmers
