Joyce Ann Parkins (née Williams)
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On January 16, 2021 @ 4:17 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 37 Comments
Joyce passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2021 with her family by her side. She was 87 years old and the beloved wife of Robert her husband for 63 years. Loving mother of Judith (David), Howard (Claire) and Christopher (Sonia). Cherished grandmother of Meghan, Ryan, Adam, Ian and Nikolai. Fondly remembered by Esperanza.
Joyce grew up in Wallasey England and her ambition as a young student was to become a teacher. She graduated from Hereford teachers college in 1954 and launched her career specializing in teaching primary children.
Aside from teaching her other passion was for sports particularly field hockey and tennis, both of which she played very well. In later years she took up golf; a game she thoroughly enjoyed.
In 1957 Joyce and Robert (Bob) Parkins were married and in the following years the marriage was blessed with three wonderful children. In 1969 the family moved to Canada and in 1970 settled in Bolton. Joyce immediately continued her teaching career at Ellwood Memorial Public School. Although she was hired to teach kindergarten and grade 1, her first year was spent teaching grade 7 as a replacement for the regular teacher who was on sick leave. She described that year as a lot of fun. She loved her job and all of the many students who graced her classroom.
Through her love of sports Joyce encouraged her students to get involved in sporting activities. She coached a girls softball team and was a committee member and tournament secretary of the Edelweiss tennis club which preceded the present Bolton tennis club.
Joyce continued teaching at Ellwood until her retirement in 1996. Her retirement years were spent relaxing, reading and travelling with her husband Bob. She loved animals and there were always her beloved cats, most of them rescued, around the house.
Joyce’s health began to deteriorate following a stroke in June 2020. She returned to her home in Bolton and was placed in a palliative home care program that has been wonderful. We should like to recognize and thank the nurses from Bayshore health care, the PSWs from SRT and Doctor Michael Gagnon for taking good care of her and making sure that at all times she was comfortable.
Private family funeral service will be held at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Wednesday, January 20 at 1:30 p.m. Followed by cremation.
The family invites those who wish to view the service to do so through live streaming at https://event.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation in her name to any of her favourite charities: PETA, OSPCA or Sick Children’s Hospital.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Condolences for the family of “Joyce Ann Parkins (née Williams)”
So sorry of learn of Joyce’s death. She had her health and mobility struggles and now at peace . Our condolences to Bob, and family
“Where there is kindness you will also discover greatness” This encapsulates the life of our dearest friend Joyce. We will miss you but you will never be far away, we will see you in the sunrise and all the nature that surrounds us that you had such an affinity with.
Our deepest sympathy to Bob, the most amazing husband one could have wished for and your wonderful, caring children, Judy, Chris, Howard and all their family members, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and affection,
Jennifer and Ashley
Dear Chris and Sonia sending our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Yours truly Joanne, John, Julien and Zoe Cristante
Couldn’t meet a nicer person to teach with at Ellwood Memorial P.S.. Joyce would easily accommodate any new idea and do so with a smile. She certainly loved her students. Joyce was also adventurous. Who else would fly everywhere with Captain Bob?
To Bob, who looked after Joyce so well, a job well done. We express our sympathies to the whole wonderful family.
Ken and Chris Graham
I remember her as a friend of Moms who always encouraged me with my cartooning. Seems like a generation is leaving us
Dear Chris and Sonia
Sending you love during this difficult time with my deepest condolences.
Maria Pezzano
The passing of a loved one is never easy. To pass peacefully at home with your family by your side, is a blessing.
Our most heartfelt condolences with love to the family,
Shawn and Dawn Marie Squires
We love you Bob! We are with you.
Bob and family, Len snd I are so very sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a lovely lady and we hope the many memories you have made together will sustain you. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Bob/ Judy /Howard and Chris :
As a 24 year old newcomer coming to teach level 7 she was my touch stone. We challenged the 7/8 many times to field hockey and we had such fun. She challenged me in tennis but I could never beat her.
She was my mentor for student’s and children because she taught my two. But I taught hers also which we classified kids as the good the bad and the ugly.
She was a great Friend but a wonderful Wife /Mother and Teacher.
My deepest sympathy.
To Bob and family,
It was with more than tinge of sadness that I responded to your request to call you.
Joyce was as remarkable as she was humble. We had the great fortune to have our first born son attend Joyce’s JK class at Ellwood. Joyce’s years at Ellwood brought great joy to all the families who shared that same good fortune and to all who ever met her. And the children adored her.
Remember…time is your ally.
The Pagets
To Bob and family, my deepest condolences.
Joyce was such an amazing lady and true Champion on many fronts.
RIP Joyce and thank you for being my partner in those Mixed Doubles Tennis tournaments in the late 70’s.
When we emigrated to Canada, the children’s school and our new home location was decided after an interview with one very special lady, Joyce Parkins. Having spoken with her for maybe ten minutes we sat outside the school and said let’s send the children here! Joyce had a personality that was warm and all encompassing. Her talents were endless, including the very creative side of putting on many a school play, coming up with new ways to engage the children and sparking enthusiasm in her students. We are honoured to have met Joyce and become her friends. She will be sadly missed and the memories of her will always be joyous.
With our heartfelt condolences and much love to you all.
I taught with Joyce for several years at Ellwood school. She was a generous and knowledgeable educator and a mentor to me. Her students enjoyed her teaching which emphasized humour and kindness. She taught generations of Bolton children to read.
Joyce was Godmother to our daughters. She enjoyed both golf and tennis and had a love of animals. Joyce enjoyed sharing stories about her children and her aviation adventures with Bob.
She will be missed.
Jack and Marilyn Conway
Our deepest sympathy to Chris, Robert, Sonia and the entire family on your loss. The memories will remain in your heart. Smile when you think of Joyce and she will be with you always.
Carol and Eric Stock
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a wonderful kind neighbour. The Parkins family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne O’Brien and family
I met Joyce when I came to Ellwood Memorial P.S. as a young teacher. When I think of her, I remember the respect I had for her as an experienced educator and as an intelligent and strong woman. Her classroom program reflected Joyce’s great understanding of primary students and how to help each one of them develop. I also remember her interesting anecdotes about her many other interests and activities outside of school and about her children and grandchildren, whom she loved and was very proud of. Dear Bob, Howard, Judy and Chris, please know that we are thinking of you and that we send our sympathy in the loss of this very special member of your family.
When the Parkins Family moved to Bolton they were the best addition to our neighbourhood. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Murray and Susan, Darlene and Glen, Dave and Jeanette, Diane and Gary
I can still see Joyce sitting on top of the umpire’s chair one day at Edelweiss, encouraging us on. We have so many fond memories of our fun times together on the court!
We send our condolences to you and your beautiful family and know she will always be in your heart. We are so fortunate to have known her.
Tina & Matt Daalderop
My condolences to Mrs Parkins family. She taught me in grade 1 at Ellwood and left a lasting impression on me.
Chris & Sonia, Bob & Family:
We are so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. Please know that we share your sadness and give our love and comfort during this difficult time.
Greg & Alison
Bob, Chris & Sonia, Judy & Dave:
We will miss seeing Joyce when we used to get together on occasions for Dinner, when Bob would play piano with his group. It won’t be the same without you. Condolences to you and the family in this difficult time. May you be comforted by your memories.
Stella & Wally
Mrs. Parkins was my first teacher so many years ago, and I remember her with a smile.
Thank you, on behalf of all of your former students for getting us started and pointed in the right the direction.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends that you are leaving behind.
Joel Chevalier
Condolences to you all at this sad time. My memory of Mrs. Parkins was as a fun caring gym teacher I had at Ellwood, & I remember having Judy in my class who I was good friends with. Mrs. Parkins is the one who had us square dancing that I remember well so embarrassed doing it but she told us it would help us later on n life. I think that was the first & last time I did it…She made me laugh & I always had fun when she was teaching! Great memories, may she Rest In Peace …
Dear Bob and family,
Joyce and I practiced yoga we had many a good laugh at ourselves and our valiant efforts a few years ago. She was my encourager! I will miss your happy personality and your humour! My sincere condolences to you Bob and the family!
Our deepest sympathy to all of you., Mr Parkins, Judy, Howard & Chris for your loss.
Darcy Hilliard Franke & Family
My deepest condolences to The Parkins family
Embrace the memories
I knew Joyce through my friend Jennifer who I lived with for many years. Joyce was a kind, gentle soul and I became fond of her over the years. I offer my deepest sympathy to her husband Bob and all his family.
You are at peace with God now, and lovingly remembered.
Penny
So sorry to hear of Mrs Parkins’ passing.
I felt her welcoming enthusiasm when I was a student at Ellwood School and I enjoyed her athletic fun at the Edelwiess Tennis courts. She was always a joy to spend time with.
Condolences to all the family.
So very sorry for your loss. My Kindergarten teacher. Your Mummy and Wife. A huge contributor to the greater good of our community especially to the little growing hearts and minds of Bolton. Hugs to you Chris and family. RIP Joyce.
Most heartfelt condolences to you, Bob and to your children and their families. Joyce was already approaching the end of her teaching career when I first had the pleasure of getting .to know her. It had occurred to me that with so gentle and giving a manner, she might well have been an extraordinary teacher: one of the ones who leave an indelible impression on their young charges., Reading the condolence messages here from former students and colleagues in teaching, I am struck by how so very true that was.
Joyce was a true friend to animals and to PETA, and all of us will miss her kindness. Animals need all the friends they can get in this world, so this is a terrible loss in so many ways. We send our wishes for strength and happy memories to the family and to all who knew and appreciated and loved her.
Mrs. Parkins was my grade 1 teacher. I’m 38 years old and still have fond memories of her. She was a wonderful teacher and a terrific person.
Mrs. Parkins was my Kindergarten teacher in 1975/76 at Ellwood School. I remember her being a lot of fun and VERY tall 🙂 My sincerest condolences.
Judy, sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Condolences to you and your family.
Bill Mueller
Abbotsford, B.C.
Mrs. Parkins was one of my most memorable school teachers some 30 years ago! She left a lasting impression on myself and many others six year old children. She was a remarkable teacher and woman.
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Dear Judy,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Kim Kirby