MERIGOMISH – Joyce Isabel MacDonald, 93, Valley View Villa, Riverton, formerly of Merigomish, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 21, 2021 in the Villa. Born in New Glasgow, on June 17, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Andrew Wallace and Vera Jennie (Pushie) Murray. Joyce exemplified the essence of kindness! She spread warmth and comfort through all of her words, actions and cooking. Well known for her sweet tooth, Joyce loved baking, especially sweet treats. We will all miss the smell of Joyce’s homemade rolls and the taste of her fresh strawberry and raspberry jams which we all enjoyed in her pleasant and welcoming kitchen. She cared for people like she cared for her garden, with patience and commitment. She spent hours looking after her raspberry bushes and flowers. Joyce was so generous with her time, especially when it came to her family. Joyce and Norval’s van and later the trailer saw many adventures across the country, including trips with lifelong friends, Dot and Lawrence Williams. Some of the best memories for her grandchildren were the annual trailer trips. Joyce loved to have fun and she certainly enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She was always up for a game of crib or auction 45s and continued to play until recently, especially with family friend Joe Simpson. We will all miss her winning smile. Even though quite a card shark, she had a very easy-going nature and enjoyed a good laugh. She found pleasure in the everyday things like her weekly hair appointments. She made the simplest of all occasions special. Joyce also never said no to a day of shopping. The mall energized her. She loved to look her best and always had lipstick beside the radio in the kitchen. If she saw someone coming up the driveway, the lipstick went on. She loved being surrounded by people. The backdoor was always open at her house. Joyce filled all of our lives with love and she loved unconditionally and deeply. Her smile brightened any room she entered. She was always willing to listen and loved talking on the phone. Even though miles separated her from her family at times, she always made you feel close to her. Distance did not matter, as when you heard her voice, you felt at home. Joyce brought out the very best in people. You could not help but be a kinder person as a result of just knowing her. She will be missed everyday but the impact of her love will live on in all of us for generations. Surviving are daughters, Linda Williams, Merigomish; Jane (Donald) Robertson, Orangeville, Ont..; sons, Norval (Linda) MacDonald, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay; Steven MacDonald, Antigonish; grandchildren, Jason (Alicia) Williams, Halifax; Dale Williams, Hamilton Ont.; Blair (Sarah) Williams, Sydney; Sheri Tanner (Geoff Childs), Orangeville; Matthew (Christy) Robertson, Orangeville; Nicholas (Lori) MacDonald, Hammonds Plains; Lauren (Graham) Frazee, Ingramport; great grandchildren, Ayla, Carley, Benson, Grayden, Emily, Anna, Henry and Fiona Williams; Jake, Josie and Brody Robertson; Ryan MacDonald; sister-in-law, Adelaide MacDonald, Merigomish; cousin, Isabel (Duncan) MacMaster, Caribou; many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Norval; brothers, Lyall and Walter Murray; son-in-law, Nick Williams; sisters-in-law, Margaret Murray, Joan Murray, Marion Fulton and Mildred MacDonald; brother-in-law, Harry MacDonald. Special thanks to the staff at Valley View Villa who took such good care of her over the past two years. A graveside service will be held in Riverview Cemetery, Merigomish in July, 2021. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Joyce Isabel MacDonald, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.