Obituary of Mary Joyce Chambers

Mary Joyce Chambers, 95, Sylvester, passed away peacefully, Friday, October 11, 2024, in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Scotsburn, she was a daughter of the late Reginald and Annie Jeannie (Grant) Owen. Joyce was a member of the Aberdeen School of Nursing Class of 1951, passing her Registered Nursing exams the same year.  Joyce was always proud that one of her first nursing roles was to be present and assist at the birth of her future son-in-law, Carl. She remained home from 1952 – 1959 for the birth of her children. In 1960 she began working at the old Pictou Hospital. She moved to the “new” Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, Pictou when it opened and later became Director of Nursing for the facility. In the late 70’s, Joyce worked for a year as a nurse in the missionary hospital, Hay River, N.W.T. In the 1980’s she moved to Halifax and was employed as evening supervisor at the former Halifax Civic Hospital and later, the Camp Hill Hospital from where she retired after a long and fulfilling career. Joyce possessed an enduring faith in her Lord Jesus Christ and had served on many boards with Christian Fellowship Church and Lighthouse Ministries, New Glasgow.  She was passionate about her faith and read her Bible daily. Joyce lived her faith serving her family and others. She will be fondly remembered as a resilient, loving and Godly woman. 

Surviving are her children, Gary Chambers (Marg Facey), Braeshore; Lola Tree, Pine Tree; John (Ann) Chambers, Sylvester; Laurie (Debbie) Chambers, Stellarton; Nedra (Carl) Wilson, Sylvester; grandchildren, Tina (Mike), Dawn (Burt), Eliza (George), Dana (Ashley), Jason (Sarah), Jamie (Robert), Jennie, Chad, Corey, Amanda (Angus), Matthew (Sarah); great-grandchildren, R.J., Grace, Noah, Jacob, Danica, Abby, Nerissa, Rayden, April, William, Sophia, Chloe, Jesse, Jamal, Maynard, Dax, Jake, Zachery, Tyler; great, great-granddaughter, Chyene; siblings,  Milton “Milt” Owen, Edmonton, Alta.; Joan Dunn, London, Ont.; many nieces and nephews. 

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson, Kyle Chambers; sisters, Jean Dunn and Sharon Alward; former husband, Ross Chambers.

The family will receive visitors 1-1:50 p.m. Tuesday, October 15 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Morrison officiating.  Interment will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.

Joyce’s children wish to specially thank Corrine for always being there for their mom.

Donations may be made in memory of Joyce to Samaritan’s Purse Canada Operation Christmas Child, The Gideons International or Pictou County Food Bank East.

Joyce’s’ family wish to thank the Pictou County VON and the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Team. 

Funeral Service Livestream - Please click HERE