Joyce Steele

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Joyce Vivian Steele (Travis)

Born January 29, 1923, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Harold and Grace Baker Centre in Toronto, ON on July 28, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents Virginia and William Travis, her loving husband of 55 years Sidney Steele, her son Norman Steele and her sister Ione Pruden, and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her daughters Joan (Scott) and Susan (Matthew), and her grandchildren Janna (Ryan), Derrick (Elle), Grant (Tahsha), Carolyn (Wijnand), Craig (Megan), and Tim, and great-grandchildren Libby, Lucy, Charlie, Jack and Astara, as well as numerous extended family.

Joyce Vivian Travis was the first-born child to Virginia and William Travis and was born in a log cabin in Naicam, Saskatchewan on January 29, 1923. Her Saskatchewan roots were very important to Joyce and she credits her birthplace and the fact her mother was an RN for her longevity. Her family moved to Vancouver when she was 11 and she completed her schooling there. When she was 18, she traveled east to Ottawa to join the war efforts. It was during a visit to a friend’s home in L`Original where she met the love of her life, Sidney Steele. After a courtship that spanned 10 years, Joyce and Sid were married June 16, 1951. They had three children Joan, Norman and Susan.

Joyce was instrumental in helping Sid with his business and was very proud to have been able to help Sid start Alpine Graphic Productions by getting him organized with the accounting end.

Joyce loved to travel and always encouraged the rest of the family to do so. She and Sid enjoyed trips across Canada, throughout the United States, including several trips to Alaska, to Europe and she even crossed the Panama Canal. Wherever she went, Joyce would keep in touch with friends and family. She was one of a kind - always so generous and willing to volunteer and lend a hand. Joyce used to volunteer by “helping the old people” at the Baker Centre, she was a regular reader at the local elementary school helping students that English was not a first language for, she volunteered for the Huntington Society and was very active with the Church being a part of many committees during her 60+ years at Greenborough Community Church, including being the Treasurer for 30+ years!. Although she always remarked that she wasn’t much of a singer, she was the best storyteller and shared her love of reading. One of Joyce’s favourite activities was to swim, and she was proud of the fact that she had swam with 6 generations of her family.

We extend our gratitude to the caring staff at the Harold and Grace Baker Centre who provided comfort and support during her final days. Joyce's life was truly a celebration—a legacy of warmth, compassion, and joy that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

The true celebration of Joyce’s life was her 100th birthday celebration in January.

She was a woman who had a truly beautiful life - one filled with love, laughter, family and friends.

Visitation at The Baker Centre on Tuesday, August 1st in room 620-622 from 4:00 - 10:00.

Funeral service will be held at Greenborough Community Church, 2000 Keele St., Toronto, on Wednesday, August 2nd at 1:00 p.m.

Reception to follow at The Baker Centre, 1 Northwestern Ave.

Internment will take place in L’Original, Ontario on August 28th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greenborough Community Church or the Harold & Grace Baker Centre

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready, in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, and told me ‘Welcome Home’. So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

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