WILLIAMS, Jocelyne Lucienne (nee Gamache)

Posted: December 14th, 2020

April 1, 1946 – Elk Point, Alberta

December 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Jocelyne Williams, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 74 years.

Those who knew Joyce felt her ever-present love, her kindness and her patience. She was a steadfast beacon of light and source of calm, who selflessly gave of herself, always placing the needs of others before her own. The beauty and grace of Jocelyne Lucienne Williams (nee Gamache) was brought into the world on April 1,1946, and beside her beloved husband, Robert (Bob); her “darling girl”, Dionne; her dearest son-in-law, John; and her precious granddaughters, Lauren and Rowan, lived a life rich with laughter and love, brightening the lives of so many along the way.

Joyce grew up in St. Paul, Alberta, as the youngest of five children: Guy (Florence) Gamache (deceased), Mariette (Al) Dawson, Charles (Terry) Gamache, and Anna (Stan) Pratch. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob. They later married in 1967 and three and half years later Dionne was born. Joyce’s world centred on her family, and she was happiest when she was caring for them. Her tender nature coupled with her passion and knowledge is what also made her an exceptional teacher. She taught for 38 years, mostly teaching grade one; she created lasting impressions on students and formed enduring friendships with colleagues. It was only the chance to care for her grandchildren that led her from her career, and she and Bob moved from Medicine Hat to Calgary in 2005 to seize this gift. Joyce devoted herself to Dionne, John and her granddaughters. As the girls grew, playtime evolved into long chats, making crafts became creating works of art, and walking them to school turned to worrying about when they would safely return home on their own. After her battle with cancer in 2012, Joyce rekindled her love of painting and drawing, and she spent countless hours taking classes, learning new techniques and styles that she loved to experiment with and master. This past October Joyce learned that she would once again have to battle cancer. She took each day as it came, each time looking only for the joy that exists in our world.

Joyce was a woman of strength and courage whose eternal love will be felt forever. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joyce’s obituary at www.McInnisand Holloway.com. A special thank you to the staff of Unit 74 at Rockyview Hospital and of Unit 46 at Foothills Hospital, who worked tirelessly to make Joyce comfortable.

In living memory of Joyce Williams, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

One Condolence for “WILLIAMS, Jocelyne Lucienne (nee Gamache)”

  1. Jennafer Yuhas says:

    I am so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mrs. Williams. My heart goes out to the family and I hope you are finding comfort in one another and in the knowledge of all the lives that she has touched in such a positive way.

    I had the great pleasure of spending my grade one year in Mrs. Williams’ class nearly 30 years ago and I can still remember the way I felt in her room. She radiated kindness and made each student feel valued and unique. Her classroom felt like home. It’s funny how certain things stick in your mind and Mrs. Williams’ perfume is etched into mine forever. On a handful of occasions I’ve walked past someone wearing her signature scent and it takes me right back to Grade 1 and Mrs. Williams unrivalled hugs. If she could make me feel that loved as a student, I can only imagine what a privilege it is to call her family and have been on the receiving end of her generous heart.

    As a teacher, I can only dream of leaving half of the impression on my students that Mrs. Williams left on me, and countless others. Heaven has gained an incredible angel. My prayers are with you in this difficult time.

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