Obituary of Joyce Ella Lillian CHAPMAN

Joyce Chapman, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away December 1st, 2017 at the age of 93 years. Joyce was born in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia; a small village in the Lunenburg Region. She identified her birthplace with much pride with the great sailing ship "The Bluenose" launched in 1921, sailing undefeated in international competitions for 17 years. Joyce's father was an Anglican Minister and the family moved numerous times. From Nova Scotia they travelled to Broadview, Saskatchewan and then on to Maple Creek. Rev. Chapman was then called into Alberta when he served in Stettler, Lacombe and Carbon. Joyce enjoyed all the places she lived, taking in the country sides, swimming, camping with family and enjoying numerous pets, including a Shetland pony she would fondly talk about. In 1948 the family settled in Calgary where Joyce finished high school and entered nursing. She graduated with her RN from the Calgary General Hospital in 1946 and joyfully kept in touch with nursing classmates over the years; some of whom have recently celebrated 70 years of friendships. Reunions were a blast! In 1950 Joyce married Lawrence Swingle and together they had 3 children, Beryl, Harold and Bruce born in Penticton, B.C. Joyce loved her time in the Okanagan, canning fruit and enjoying the beaches just as much as searching for Christmas trees in the snowy hills. In 1959 the family moved to Winnipeg and, as the kids grew older, enjoyed working at St. Boniface General Hospital's maternity unit. In later years Joyce changed direction working with the elderly. When the kids flew the coop Mom moved back to Calgary in 1978 to be companion and later caregiver to her mother Blanche. Mother and daughter together attended St. Barnabas Anglican Church where they both gave of their hearts and hands. Joyce also volunteered her services to Bethany Care Centre as well as Meals on Wheels. Joyce enjoyed speed skating, cross country skiing earlier on and, due to her mother's influence, became a very talented cook, baker, seamstress, knitter, flower and plant lover. Her love of animals never faded. She leaves with us many memories of a home filled not only with the pitter patter of 2 footed family members, but many 4 footed as well! African violets peaked her interest for a time. It was fascinating to watch Mom's cross pollinating process to develop new plants and flowers. Six am was Mom's quiet time while she knit mitts and socks that we would soon put holes in sliding across the hard wood floors in our home. Thankfully her knitting became more appreciated by her children when the grandchildren came along! Mom was in her glory and had so much fun knitting doll clothes, toys, sweaters, hats, scarves and on and on!! She became so talented that knitting shops would display her work. Joyce's upbeat personality and huge smile won the hearts of many. Passers-by her home were always cheerfully greeted, as were countless others she encountered during her day. She wrote many friends and family members at Christmas time and gratefully received countless cards and news in return. That was a huge part of her Christmas. The Olympics came to Calgary in 1988 and Joyce was honored to be a volunteer. She hoped for, and received a position helping those in wheelchairs watch the figure skating competitions…which just happened to be her favorite sport to watch! Nana was the recipient of many thank you notes and treasured fridge art, even though she was miles away. She had longed for grandchildren and got her wish when Matthew, Greg, Jeffrey, Jenna, Summerly and Dionne were born…all in the span of about 5 years. Visits with Nana were always treasured along with rides into the mountains and Banff. Nana became Great Nana to two little girls, Ivy and Samantha as well as a step great granddaughter Vanessa. She was in awe as she watched them…and always so very proud and ‘pleased as punch'. Joyce is survived by her children, daughter Beryl Blackman and son Bruce Swingle, daughter-in-law Terry, granddaughters Jenna, Dionne (Steven), Summerly (Yihua), grandson Gregory (Monica), Jeffrey, great granddaughters Ivy, Samantha and step-great-granddaughter Vanessa. She is predeceased by her son Harold, grandson Matthew, father Rev. Thomas Henry Chapman in 1972, mother Blanche Elizabeth Chapman in 1989, brother RCAF Flight Officer Harold Ernest Chapman in 1945, and sister Marion Frances Chapman in 1982. Joyce is last in the long line of this Chapman family. Rev. Thomas Shaw Chapman began the legacy in the mid 1850s in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Mom was very proud of her heritage. BIG FAMILY REUNION TIME MOM! ENJOY! LOVE ALWAYS THE KIDS Funeral Service Thursday, December 7, 2017 01:00 PM St. Barnabas Anglican Church 1407 7th Avenue NW Calgary,AB