Aileen Joyce McKenzie (Bajus)

Joyce passed away peacefully March 24th, 2020 at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital in her 90th year with her husband of 67 years and four children at her side.  She is survived by her spouse Jack, children Sharon (Neil Audette), Robert, Becky (Steve Judges) and Steve (Cheri Villamont).  Much loved grandmother to Jesse and Camille Audette, Melanie and Megan Judges, Tess and Jack Davis McKenzie.   

Joyce was born in Minnedosa Manitoba and graduated with the Governor General’s Medal from Minnedosa High School.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science from University of Manitoba and taught Home Economics in Elmira, Ontario.  After her four children were in school, she went back to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and also as a Teaching Assistant at Spruce Glen Public School.  She was very active in the Trinity United Church community, leading UCW, teaching Sunday School and volunteering wherever there was a need. 

Joyce was happiest at home with her large extended family, sharing family meals on the deck overlooking Fairy Lake.  She could sew, knit, bake anything and kept a beautiful garden.  She was most proud of all her grandchildren and their accomplishments, attending as many concerts, drama productions, graduation ceremonies, soccer, volleyball, hockey games as life would allow.   

Joyce loved to learn, always reading, watching documentaries, meeting new people.  She was the consummate listener, so interested in the lives of others, grilling them with question upon question.  She was incredibly kind and wanted to make everyone at ease, introducing people to others; everyone was important to her. But most of all Joyce shared a vast amount of unconditional love for her family and friends.   

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at Trinity United Church, Huntsville at a later date (details will be posted when available at www.mitchellfuneralhome.ca). In lieu of flowers, donations to Plan Canada or Trinity United Church, UCW, Huntsville, would be appreciated.