February 19, 1940 - December 8, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Alexandrina Fairon (née Penfold), who left us peacefully on December 8, 2024, at CHSLD Vaudreuil at the age of 84.
Joyce was born on February 19, 1940, and was the beloved wife of the late Raymond Fairon, who predeceased her in 2018 after 55 years of marriage. Together, Joyce and Raymond shared a life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to their family. As a devoted wife and mother, Joyce will be remembered for her boundless love and the selfless care she gave, especially during Ray's battle with dementia, a challenge she faced with grace and strength.
Joyce was the cherished mother of Philip (Ada) and Glen. She is also survived by her brother William (and his children Christopher and Timothy); her sisters Gloria (her daughter Kimberly (Ian) and their children Adam and Justin) and Lorraine (Don) (her daughter Tammy (Erik) and their children Arthur and Kieran). Joyce was a proud aunt and greatly loved by her extended family.
A woman of many passions, Joyce was an avid painter, painting beautiful pieces that she sold at art shows or was commissioned to make. Joyce found joy in the outdoors, with a special love for both golf and skiing. Her and Ray loved to travel going on all sorts of adventures. Her love for these activities, however, was put aside when Ray’s illness required her full attention. Her devotion to caring for him and ensuring he was never alone defined the later years of her life, and she made countless sacrifices along the way. The impact of Ray’s passing in 2018 deeply affected Joyce, and over time, her own health began to decline. In 2021, Joyce was diagnosed with dementia, a condition she had been living with long before it was officially recognized.
After moving to a senior residence in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Joyce was lovingly cared for by her sister Gloria and niece Kimberly. However, as her condition worsened, she required more care than they could provide, and she eventually moved to CHSLD Vaudreuil, where she spent her final days surrounded by compassionate caregivers.
Joyce’s legacy of love, strength, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her gentle spirit and unshakeable devotion to her family will be deeply missed, but she will never be forgotten.
A private family service will be held in honor of Joyce’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any organization related to dementia care.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at CHSLD Vaudreuil for their care and kindness during Joyce's final years.
Of my many Canadian cousins, Joyce was perhaps the closest, as we were the same age. I remember the many good times as a teenager and young man, driving from Connecticut to Montreal to visit Joyce and her family. Joyce enjoyed skiing, and we all had a wonderful time skiing in Vail and Aspen when she came to visit us in Colorado in the 1970s. More recently, Diana and I were able to have a pleasant visit with Joyce and Ray on our last trip back east, shortly before Ray's passing. Joyce will be truly missed.
Allen and Diana Nelson