Joy Carwithen

April 30, 1933 - October 18, 2025

Born in the Comox Valley to Millicent and Thomas Williamson, Joy grew up enjoying dance and piano. Known first as Rosemary Joyce, then Joy, Mom, Gramma, and finally Coco, she is predeceased by her husband of 52 years. She regaled us all with stories of the troublemaking, including how Gordon was the target when she threw her doll at him at a very young age, starting their love affair, but it was the bribes of Oh Henry bars that really helped to win him over. Joy was a steadfast supporter of Gordon’s endeavours.

Joy had aspirations of being a ‘stewardess’ or a hairdresser, but her strict English Mom had other ideas for her and was happier when Joy quit school in grade 11 to work as a teller in a bank in Courtenay. She then moved on to be the office manager at Courtenay-Comox Television (CCTV) and worked there until her retirement. Her adventurous spirit would be reignited through many international travels in her 70s and 80s.

Joy and Gordon spent much time ‘at the beach’ at Little River. Also camping with their three children, Stuart (Carol), Jeff (Beulah), and Diana. Time spent at the beach house was especially dear to her and she often imagined the ideal view out the window in lieu of the winter rain.

“Coco” as she insisted on being called rather than the aged “great-gramma” was an easy transition and everyone fondly referred to her during visits to drop off pictures, drawings, hugs, and to trade stories and play scrabble. She has 6 grandchildren: Kelsie, Emily, Ashley, Alana, Greg and Colin, and an additional 10 great grand children.

Joy was a voracious reader and loved her romance novels. She kept lists to ensure she didn’t reread a book and left secret marks in library books. She was a member of a public speaking group for several years and volunteered at the cancer clinic. She enjoyed visiting Glacier View Lodge on occasion to play the piano for the residents.

Her strength, kindness, care for others, and sassy sense of humour has been infused in the branches of her family tree where she has reigned as the matriarch for 92 years.

She will be dearly missed. “Toodle-oo, off you go, thanks for the visit”.

The family would like to acknowledge the kind attentiveness during Joy’s final days at Langley Gardens Senior’s Home, and to Dr. Demian for her guidance.