With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to the head of our family, our boss, our mom, our grandmother, our friend, Joyce Hrenchuk. On June 28, 2021 she passed away peacefully at home, with her family and beloved dog Cooper by her side after a courageous battle against cancer.
Joyce was born and raised in Thunder Bay and was the middle of 5 children. She was married to the love of her life Tom Hrenchuk for over 30 years, until his passing in the fall of 2003. Together, they raised their two girls, Trish and Tammy. Because of Tom's career in corrections, they moved throughout Ontario, with stops in Sudbury and Sault St. Marie, before returning home for good in 1994.
She was educated as an RNA, and was a hard worker, working full time until she was diagnosed with cancer at age 72. She loved her work. For over 50 years Joyce worked in hospitals, starting her career at Mckellar Hospital, moving to a job as a mental health nurse in Sudbury, and then a supervisor at Retirement home in Sault Ste. Marie, finally returning to Thunder Bay to work with Community Living where she worked until her passing. She dedicated her life to caring for people. Our mom truly could take care of anyone, in any situation.
Anyone who knew our mom knew a few things…she loved her camp at East Floral Beach, she loved her lawn perfectly manicured, she loved good food, and she loved her grandchildren. Our mom was extremely funny, witty, and she never lost her sharp sense of humour. She passed away with a smile on her face, listening to her grandchildren and daughter’s chatting about funny moments, and the incredible times we have had, jumping into the conversation from time to time with a witty remark, or a clever jab. She was also known for hilarious catchphrases and mixed-up words. She frequently got names mixed up and had her own special language at times. This truly brought joy to us all in her final days.
We will miss our mom greatly; she always took care of everything and everyone in our family. It will be hard to imagine carrying on without her. We will raise a glass to our mom at camp and remember all the love she gave us. Not a day will go by that we will not think about her and our dad. Life won’t be the same, but we take the lessons she has taught us, and use the strength she gave us to carry on.
Joy will be Lovingly remembered by her daughters, Trish Hrenchuk (Patrick Dupuis), Tammy Ezowske (David McCulloch), grandchildren Lauren Dupuis (Cassandra Connel), Nathan Dupuis, and Olivia Ezowkse. Nieces, nephews, and other loved family members also survive.
She was predeceased by her husband, Tom Hrenchuk, her parents Earl and Freda Riddock, her sisters Glory Riddock, and Christine Limer, and brothers Terry and Barry Riddock.
We would like to thank the Palliative Care Team from Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, including all the amazing community nurses and coordinators, specifically Linda Roussel and paramed nurse Christine, as well as mom’s loving friend Shauna Ahren. We would not have been able to care for our mother at home without you.
A private service will be held for close family. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the St. Joseph’s Foundation-Hospice Unit. Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
