Jocelyn Ardin McCaskill

McCaskill, Jocelyn Ardin;

Nov 17, 1927 – Mar 8, 2023;

Daughter of Elaine Ecclestone and Harry MacKay

Joy, Muz, Mom, Gram; she answered to many names over the course of 95 years and regardless of the

moniker, she never wavered from her steadfast commitment and dedication to her family and friends.

Joy's mother was born in Huntsville just before the turn of the last century. And although Joy's early

path led to Toronto and Montreal, all roads led back to Huntsville, initially for summers during her

youth and married life, and eventually as her home after she was widowed at 49.

Joy was predeceased by her husband Don in 1977 and by her companion of many years Dr. George

Garland in 2008. She is survived by her brother John(Carolyn); her children Karin, Kip(Jen),

Kevin(Karen) and Kali; by her grandchildren Chris(Lyndsay) and Andrew, Gillian(Mitch) and Connor,

and Courtney(Matt) and Evan; and by her great-grandchildren Poppy, Blake and Willa.

Joy will be remembered for her many years of volunteer service for the CNIB in Toronto and the Meals

on Wheels program in Huntsville. She was a tireless champion for those she served. And she will be

fondly remembered by those remaining lifetime friends with whom she travelled and played bridge.

Her life came to a peaceful close with the sun shining into the room and with a view across Fairy Lake

to her beloved Fairyport/Timber Bay. After suffering an injury from a fall, mom resolved to finish her

journey the way she lived her life – with grace and dignity. And ever the teacher, with her family

gathered by her bed, she showed us how to accept the inevitable on her terms with a smile glowing

on her face and serenity in her heart.

Joy and her family express their deep gratitude to the caring nursing, dietary and housekeeping staff

serving at both the south and east wings of Huntsville Memorial Hospital as well as all of the staff at

Muskoka Traditions. A special thank you to her long-time and dear personal physician Dr. John Rea and

to the four doctors who struggled valiantly to make come true her wish for a compassionate death; Dr.

Aleena Fiorotto, Dr. Allison Small, Dr. Pam McDermott and Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick. And they succeeded !

On a warm spring day, Joy's family and friends will gather together to inter her ashes in the old family

plot at All Saints cemetery in Huntsville. Thank you to Larry and Bill at Mitchell Funeral Home for

their kind words and services. Mom declined the idea of a visitation or formal service.

A small gift of remembrance in Joy's name would be welcomed by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation

or our equally remarkable Hospice Huntsville.