Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Joyce Patricia Gillanders (nee Nalli)
November 15, 1934 - December 14, 2021
Tribute
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce at the age of 87 years.
Joyce married young and entered into military life with her husband, Norm Thorsen (deceased), and enjoyed life with her two children – Lee (deceased) and Sherri Thorsen. They lived in a number of cities across Canada before settling in Sherwood Park, AB in 1966, where Joyce continued her career as a social worker.
Following her divorce in 1979, she met the absolute love of her life and married Bill Gillanders on October 9, 1982. Joyce was thrilled to expand her family to include Bill’s sons – Keith and Brian.
Bill’s retirement took them to Duncan, BC in 1987, where they enjoyed gardening, family and friend gatherings, church activities, travelling and, mostly, spending time together.
Their final move was to Nanaimo, BC in November 2015, where they made many new friends and enjoyed being close to Bill’s son Keith and his wife Rosemary. Sadly, Bill passed away on March 11, 2020.
Joyce is fondly remembered in life by her daughter Sherri, grandchildren Chris and Andrea (Braeden) and great-grandson Hudson; daughter-in-law Shelley and grandchildren Cole (Elizabeth) and Kiera (Kyle); stepsons Keith (Rosemary) and Brian (Eva) and grandchildren Scott and Erin (Alex); sister June (Rod) and her nieces Alison (Mike) and Adrienne (Dan).
Joyce was challenged with MS for 60 years, but faced her challenges with an ever positive attitude and determination. She endeared herself to everyone she met with her cheerful personality, great sense of humor, feistiness and infectious laughter.
Joyce enjoyed a long life of happiness, shared with Bill, family and friends. After the passing of Bill and with more health challenges, her days were filled with less joy and God wrapped her in his arms and took her home to Heaven to be reunited with Bill and her son Lee.
Special thanks to Keith and Rosemary for all the love and support provided over the years and to the staff at The Berwick for their kindness and care.
In her memory, be cheerful and hug someone you love!
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Laurel Menzies
Relation: friend
We have known Joyce and Bill for a number of years and during that time shared many dinners, visits and always laughter. Once the pandemic started we were reduced to phone calls and letters.
Joyce gave joy and made friends wherever she went with her infectious happiness and outgoing personality. They were a wonderful couple that definitely made this world a better place.
Both Joyce and Bill are missed
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.com/ or 250-715-2630
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Joyce Gillanders
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
