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July 16, 1931 - April 13, 2019
It is with heavy hearts the family of Joyce Kathleen Roche (Ansell) announces her passing on April 13, 2019. Joyce passed away peacefully as a result of congestive heart failure.

Joyce was born at the Ansell family home on the bench in Rutland, 87 years ago - July 16, 1931, to Beatrice Gwendolyn and Sydney Algernon Ansell. She was always sharing stories of "old Kelowna." Her memories are entertaining and factual, and we all loved listening to them.

Mom was always proud to say that her mother was a nurse in the Kelowna General Hospital, she volunteered with and served as President (1964-1965) of the Hospital Auxiliary and of course her five babies were born at KGH.

She loved her yard and was a hardworking, gifted gardener and spray painter of her lawn furniture. Her lovely garden was the center of all family Easter egg Hunts, parties, birthdays and a few weddings. Joyce had a great work ethic and passed this on to her children. She took on all jobs and none was too hard for her; she even talked about hammering nails into her beloved family home in Glenmore.

To quote one of her grandchildren, "If I had to use one word that best describes my Gran, it would be 'family'." She was passionate about and very protective of her family and loved us all to the core. We all knew by the look on her face she was the happiest when we gathered together in the yard.

Joyce is survived by her husband Brian Roche; children: Daphne Wooding (Gord), Debbie Wilkison, Terry Wilkison (Debbie), daughter-in-law Susan Marshall; step-children: Janet Wilkison (Joanne), Jack Wilkison (Mindy), Jim Wilkison (Liz), Kevin Roche (Cathy), Lyn Maire, Michael Roche (Carol); grandchildren: Nicolle (Robert), Shannon (Curtis), Allison, Laura (Nathan), Justin (Amy), Geoff (Courtney), Jesse and Megan; great grandchildren: Stephanie, Taylor, Joe, Maddox, Liam, Aidan, Mason, Lucas, Brook, Kennedy, Nico, Cooper; and special loves: Judi Dreher, Wendy Marshall Hazeltine and Pauline Lavell.

Predeceased by her sons: Reg, Geoff, her grandson Shawn and step-son Scott Roche.

At Mom's request, family and friends will hold a Celebration of her life in July under the oak tree.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Building Healthy Families, c/o 1390 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 3P6 dwilkison@bhfam.net. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.


 
 Springfield Funeral Home



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