Born in Montreal to Allen and Sally Leigh, Joyce attended D'Arcy McGee High School and St. Joseph's Teacher's College. She taught at Pius Tenth and Town of Mount Royal Catholic High.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Albert White, her children Michael (Tonja Leach), Stephen (Shelly White), Alicia (Aaron Curtis), and her grandchildren Cora, Nya, Evelyn, Karina, and Brianna.
In 1966 she married Albert White and their son Michael was born in 1967. In 1968 they moved to Burlington, Ontario where their son Stephen and their daughter Alicia were born. In 1975 they moved to Ottawa and in 1979 they moved again to St. John's, Newfoundland, the home province of her husband, Albert. During this time in St. John's, she completed a Master's Degree in Education at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
In 1984 they move back to Ottawa where Joyce was manager of adult basic education and English as a second language for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. For her work in this area, she was awarded the Kenneth J. Mattran Award by the Commission on Adult Basic Education in the United States, the first time it has ever been awarded to someone outside of the United States.
Also, during her tenure at the Ottawa District School Board, she was selected to be the representative for English Canada on a UNESCO task force for international literacy in 1990. In this capacity she travelled extensively in France, Germany, the US, Kenya, India, Thailand and other countries.
She retired in 1998. When her husband retired in 1999, they began travelling extensively in Australia, Europe, South America, Russia, the Yukon and other places. Joyce was always ready to take up a challenge, and extremely enthusiastic about life.
At the age of 60 she took up running and kept it up until the last weekend of her life. She ran too many races to count - Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Ottawa, New York, Disney Marathons and too many other races to mention. Usually placing in the coveted top 3 spots in her class she has an impressive medal collection that most runners could only wish for.
She has been an inspiration to education professionals, her granddaughters, and running communities in Ottawa and Newfoundland for many many years. She will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Beechwood Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, from 5 – 7pm on Friday, December 3. A Memorial Service will be held at Canadian Martyrs Parish, 100 Main St, Ottawa, on Saturday, December 4 at 10:30am. The Family have chosen to remove the distancing requirement and capacity limit at both the visitation and the Memorial Service but all patrons must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and government identification upon arrival.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to Shepherds of Good Hope are appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
MaryAnn Sowchuk
Ron & Lorraine Leigh
I have some fond memories of growing up with Joyce in Montreal. Lorraine and I also have some very fond memories of travelling in Portugal and Morocco many years ago. More recently having both Joyce and Al showing us Newfoundland hospitality. To Al and family please accept our sincerest condolences.
Gisele and Helmut Microys
We are deeply saddened by Joyce's sudden passing and are sending sincere condolences
to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. There are never enough words to support grieving family members and friends who are dealing with such a loss.
Jim & Kathy Cowley
We were so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. She will be truly missed and we will remember always the good times we had over the years. The family sends their heartfelt sympathy to you, Michael, Steven, Alicia and all the family. God Bless.
Mireille and Mike
We were heartbroken to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was such an inspiration to other runners and I admired her tenacity. You could tell how much she loved her grandchildren and how they loved her back. She lived such a full life, and now she rests. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Howard Voight
A person I’ll remember, great inspiration!
Borden and Jana Curtis
Al: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Don't let go of your precious memories. They will help ease the pain of losing your loved one. As long as you live, Joyce will live on through you, your children and grandchildren.
Janet Lewis
Joyce was in incredible force; her energy, her wit, her strength, her generosity, and her amazing hosting abilities… she was a great person, and someone I always looked up to. She will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences.
Jackie White
So sorry to hear about Joyce's passing. I remember Joyce way back in the 80's, her kind heart and her spirit for young people with the COR movement in St. John's, NL. My thoughts and prayers are with you Al and your family.
Albert & Sandra White
Albert
We were so saddened to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was such a kind and welcoming person and it was always a joy to be in her company. We are really happy to have had the opportunity to see you both this past summer. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
So very sorry and sad for your loss. Joyce had a fulfilling career and life.
May your many momories bring you comfort and strength.