We announce with great sadness the passing of Joyce McKell
on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Barrie Memorial Hospital.
Joyce was born on March 23, 1921 and recently celebrated her 100th birthday “covid-style” at Maison La Source Bleue.
Joyce was the oldest sister to Sylvia (Ostapovitch), Maude (Cunningham), Dorothy (Munnery), Gretta (Whyte), and special sister-in-law to Thyra. Predeceased by her husband Edgar, her son Murray, and her brother Donald, she will be greatly missed by her children Beverly (Jack Van Horne), Brenda, Austin (Margarita Gonzalez-White), Harvey (Marcy MacKinnon), Kathy (Michael Murphy), and June.
Cherished grandmother of fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, nothing made Nanny happier than to have her family gathered together and she took an interest in what each of her grandchildren were doing.
Music had always been a huge part of her life, playing the piano as a young girl accompanied by her siblings on various instruments, to playing the organ at the Howick United Church for many years, to entertaining at senior residences with Donald and Gretta. Joyce continued to play the piano when she was a resident herself to entertain the others.
Joyce was known for her arts and crafts, particularly knitting and tatting, and won many prize ribbons for her handiwork, as well as her baking, at the annual Havelock Fair.
“Mrs. McKell” was a much-loved teacher at Franklin Elementary School, where she was known for being patient and kind. After raising her family, she taught there for 25 years before retiring in 1980 but Franklin School and her former pupils and colleagues always held a special place in her heart.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Barrie Memorial Hospital and the Maison La Source Bleue for the compassionate care given during her stay.
Due to Covid restrictions, a service followed by interment
will be held at a later date.
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Sincere sympathy to the McKell family, in the loss of Joyce. She has touched so many lives and will be remembered by all.
Rose (Ocenas) Orr
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My sympathies to Bev, Kathy June and all of the family.
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Our deepest sympathy to all of Joyce’s family she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Donald and Millie Chisholm
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My Deepest Sympathy to read the passing of such a Remarkable Person and a Loved One, “Joyce”! First of all to Joyce’s Siblings and to Her Family, in such a Great Loss!
When we Girls would go to the Residence Ormstown to Sing where your MOM was, it was always a Pleasure to do so and the people there Enjoyed listening to us! Especially Joyce, would sit and listen with a SMILE on her Face! Then after she enjoyed a little visit with you! As for ALL of you, you were BLESSED to have this Lady for 100 Years in your Life! Such Lovely Memories To Hold Onto! My Thoughts and Prayers are with you ALL in this most difficult time!
God Bless You All! ❤️
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We wish to send our deepest sympathy to all of Aunt Joyce’s family who are in deep sadness at this time. She was an amazing women who touched a lot of hearts and souls. She will be remembered forever ❤
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My deepest sympathies to Bev,Kathy and all your families
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Simply the best teacher a student could ask for. We shall never forget her, our sincere sympathy to all the family.
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Joyce was a special person..always interested in the world around her.She will be greatly missed.My condolences to the family.
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What a lovely lady she was!! I remember her, as a second grader, as kind, soft spoken and caring. She had an incredible memory for people and always had a smile and interest in what we were doing. She will be missed, but what a beautiful legacy and example she leaves behind, for you, her family and for so many others of us that had the privilege of knowing her. Our thoughts and my prayers are with you all as you mourn…and celebrate this very special lady
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What a life! You were blessed to have her all that time. Our most sincere condolences.
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My mother, Alice, enjoyed Joyce’s company at La Source Bleue. She particularly appreciated the times when Joyce would play the piano, as she played many of the old tunes that Mum remembered from her youth. Please accept our sincere condolences.
The Irving family.
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We would like to offer our sympathy to the McKell family.
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My deepest sympathy to you Cathy and family. Lyne and Danny and family.
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To all the family, our thoughts are with you. Aunt Joyce was truly a remarkable lady. Allan and Elaine
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Our Sympathy to all…………a Wonderful Soul
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Our sincere sympathies to all the McKell family. She will be missed by so many. Her happy, smiling face whenever we met will remain in our memory. R I P Aunt Joyce. xxxooo
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Condolences to Cathy, Mike, the kids and the McKell family. She leaves quite a legacy.
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Our deepest condolences to the McKell and Van Horne family.
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My sympathies to the family. Had a few chats with her at La Residence when visiting my father. She also recalled going to Riverfield school with my mom so many years ago.
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My Sympathies to the Family. Your Mom is a wonderful Lady, it was a pleasure working with her. She will be missed by all and the Residence will miss her Piano Playing. R I P Mrs McKell
Gail Legault
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Kenny, to you and your family our deepest sympathies, we know how much you loved your grandmother, may her memory be eternal. Diana and Yves Jegou
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Our sympathies to Brenda and to the family.
Camille and Monique Duchesne
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I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the Family. Mrs McKell was my grade 1 & 2 teacher at Franklin and I have many cherished memories of her leadership, guidance and example.
Frederick Sherrington
Val des Monts, QC
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Our sincere condolences to all. of the family. ❤
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We will miss her kind smile and loving tenderness. She was a part of everyone’s family
Love Ken and Amy
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My sympathies to the Joyce’s family including the many extended family members along with friends and acquaintances. Our memories of time spent with Joyce will remain with each of us.
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She will be missed and was such a kind person . My sympathies to her close family.
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Our sincere sympathies to her family. She was a great lady.
Barb and Gord Petrie
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Our sincere sympathies. We are thinking of you.
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My sympathies to all the family. Memories will stay with you always.
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Our sympathy to all of the family!
So glad that your mom was able to celebrate her ‘100th’ with all of you.
Holly & Danny
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Our deepest sympathies to the McKell family. Your mom was such a great lady and loved teacher for so many. She always had a smile and friendly word for all. May wonderful memories bring you comfort.Mary and David
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My sincere sympathy to her family. Always a joy to chat with. May the happy memories you have bring you comfort and peace.
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Our condolences to the family
Wes and Sandy
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Our sympathies to the family. Joyce was a cherished friend to many and a wonderful lady. She knitted many Izzy Dolls that are all over the world in the hands of little children. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was much appreciated. We enjoyed visiting with her at the Residence. She will be missed by many. Thinking of you at this time. Debbi & Ralph Templeton
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So sad to hear of Joyce’s passing. Many years of happy memories. My sympathies to all family members.
Your cousin Iris Williams
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Dear Kathy and family,
I was so sorry to read about the passing of Joyce. She was such an icon in the community and more importantly at Franklin School. As a young teacher, she taught me so much. Her love of children, music, and her kindness was second to none.
I am so happy that she was able to celebrate her 100th birthday with all those whom she loved. She certainly will be missed. My love to you all. ox
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Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. She was a beautiful soul. Loved our visits at the residence ormstown.
She will be missed
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Our thoughts are with the families. Memories of her will last forever. John and Kathy Waddell and family
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Our deepest sympathies to June and all the family. I know you will miss her dearly, but she will always be in your hearts
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Our sympathies to the family. Joyce was a lovely lady that we got to know at the Residence Ormstown during the worship service with the Church of the Nazarene. A very friendly and welcoming person. We are so glad we met her.
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My deepest sympathy to Joyce’s family and friends. She was a wonderful lady and a great teacher.