Joycelyn “Joyce” Lois Ladell, née Swankey, died with dignity and grace on December 11th. Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Syd Ladell, son-in-law Jim Totten, eldest sister Hazel Vigar, brother Ben Swankey, beloved mother Leokadie Swankey and an infant son. She leaves to mourn her daughter Lynne Totten, son Brian (Iris), daughter Constance Ladell (David Dahl) and grandchildren Dean Totten (Christie), Cari Kohlman (Mike) and Kristen England (Mel) as well as five great-grandchildren. She is survived by special nieces and nephews Crystal and Doug Bowman, June and Ken Williams, Tom and Barb Swankey, niece Jennifer Boychuk and sister-in-law Pam Ewart. Her faithful feline companion, Nigel, also misses his Grandma.
Joyce was raised by an extraordinary single mother in modest circumstances. She married Syd when she was young and soon had a growing family to raise. Nonetheless, with quiet determination, she pursued a career at a time when married women were not a presence in the workforce. She was an able administrator – intelligent, well-organized and a very hard worker. At the time of her retirement she was the executive assistant to the principal of a school with nearly 1000 students, many of whom thought she actually ran the school.
Syd and Joyce were able to retire in their early 50s and build their dream home at Swansea Point on Mara Lake. Joyce then had the time to pursue her love of music, in particular through the comradery of Sicamous Choristers. To the end of her life, she was sustained by the joy of music.
Joyce was also sustained by her faith. She was an active member of the Sicamous United Church where she enjoyed worship and community. She was a lifelong volunteer in many capacities and particularly cared about helping the elderly.
In her later years, Joyce was able to spend more time with her brother Ben Swankey, noted activist and author. She was proud of her older brother and their bond brought their families together.
Our thanks to the staff and volunteers at Hillside Village Cottage #2 for their professional and compassionate care for Joyce as well as their steadfast support of her family. We also thank Dr. Beech.
As a tribute to Joyce, please consider a donation to the Sicamous United Church or the Shuswap Branch of the BC SPCA.
A memorial service will be announced for the spring.
Online condolences may be forwarded to the family through Joyce’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com