Obituary of Joyce Dorothy Hopkins

Passed peacefully at University Hospital on Friday, November 11th, 2016 at noon in her 93rd year. There was a rainbow in the sky earlier that day, befitting her love of nature and colour. Joyce is predeceased by her husband John Hopkins (1997). She will be sadly missed by her three children: Janet Witmer (Jack) of Delaware, Peter Hopkins (Margaret) of London, and Lori Curtis (Vincent Surmanski), also of London. Joyce was a wonderful Nana to her five grandchildren: Matthew Hopkins of Lakeside, William Hopkins, Kendal Hopkins, Grant Curtis and Troy Curtis, all of London. Joyce, along with her letters, will be missed by her siblings: Victor Parker (Diana) of Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., and Evangeline Warren (the late Douglas) of Sault Ste. Marie. Joyce was a teacher and twenty-five year supply teacher for the London Board of Education. She graduated from the former London Normal School and at the age of forty, attended university to obtain her Bachelor of Education. John and Joyce shared a love of collecting antiques, especially kitchenware. They also enjoyed listening to music (jazz and classical) and spending time at the cottage they built in 1971. During her long life, Joyce was creative and accomplished in many areas. She played the piano, did calligraphy, crocheted, sewed, baked (healthy treats), gardened, volunteered (U.N.I.C.E.F., The Church of The Transfiguration) and was a member of the Garden Club of London and the Retired Women Teachers’ Association. She had an insatiable appetite for information, especially about the natural world, from plants, to birds and insects, to geology. When you visited with Joyce, she would enthusiastically share her current readings with you! She was kind and generous to family and friends, making toques, giving out rhubarb, and sharing information! Joyce’s favourite places were the cottage at Point Clark and her garden at her home. She loved to beachcomb; collecting rocks, shells and driftwood. Her herbs and flowers were not only for beauty and colour, but also intentionally grown for butterflies and birds to enjoy. Joyce strongly believed in supporting charities, especially those that involved children’s health and welfare overseas. She was an advocate for organic gardening, making the environment friendlier for nature and people. Our family feels that we have lost not only a mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, but also a mentor and a friend. We want to thank the staff at University Hospital 9th and 10th floors for treating Mom and us with care and compassion, and making Mom comfortable during her last days. Please join us for a celebration of Joyce’s life at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, November 19th, 2016 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. with words of remembrance by Rev. Anne Jaikaran and family at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to a charity of your choice.