TOWNSEND (HEISLER)

Joyce passed away peacefully at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Veterans Wing, Lunenburg on Monday, December 23, 2024. Born in Motherwell, Scotland to David and Ina Blackwood on January 22, 1923, Mom had a wonderful and adventurous life. In World War 2, she enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and later met and married, in 1943, a Royal Canadian Navy Sailor, Gerald Heisler.

After the war, Mom emigrated to Canada, through Pier 21, with her infant daughter Patricia. She was met by Gerald and they settled in the Halifax area, where they had three sons, Kenneth, Glenn and Ronald. Her husband joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and they lived on bases in New Brunswick, Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Gerald passed away in 1979 and in 1982 Mom married Ralph Townsend and they settled in Bridgewater. Ralph passed away in 1992.

She was predeceased by two sons Kenneth (spouse Dawn Hatcher) in 2012 and Glenn (spouse Dora) in 2017; her three sisters in Scotland (Sadie Beattie, Wilma Hamilton and Rita Cameron) and two granddaughters in North Carolina April Corbett and Kristy Sykes.

Survived by daughter Patricia Martinez (Fayetteville, North Carolina) and son Ronald (spouse Dale), Bridgewater; also several nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and great and great great grandchildren.

Mom led a full life and was a great inspiration to all who knew her.

We would like to thank the staff at the Veterans Wing at Fishermen’s as well as the special connection to the Recreational staff led by Amy Benzeau and her wonderful team of volunteers.

By Joyce’s request, cremation has taken place, with arrangements through R.A. Corkum Funeral Home, Wileville. She requested no service but the family will have a graveside service at a later date, in St. Matthew’s Anglican Cemetery, Rhodes Corner.

On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca