Joyce Danielson

Joyce Danielson 1924-2021

With mingled sorrow, gratitude, and joy, her family announces the passing of Joyce Danielson (née Richards) into the presence of her loving Creator on May 28, 2021. Joyce was born in Verdun, Quebec, to her English immigrant parents Alfred and Jessie Richards. The family later moved to Victoria, where Joyce attended Oak Bay High School and took her first job at the Oak Bay Municipal Hall during World War II. Early on she became a faithful member of Central Baptist Church, moving from youth group to “Young Married Couples” and, right into her 90s, to “Prime Timers.”

At her death she was the longest-serving member of that congregation—spanning a period of 80 years. In the 1960s Joyce became Central’s first church secretary, a position she held for more than two decades. In 1946 Joyce married John Danielson, having met him while he served in the RCAF. Together they had a son (Dennis, b. 1949) and a daughter (Lynn, b. 1952). As a family they enjoyed holidays camping together with
friends on the Island and in the Okanagan. In her later years, Joyce became a charter resident at Shannon Oaks, Victoria, before moving into Oak Bay Lodge, and thence into the Summit at Quadra Village, where she died. Joyce was predeceased by her beloved daughter Lynn in 1971, by her dear husband John in 1988, by her parents Alfred and Jessie, and by her brother Ken Richards. Joyce is survived by her sister Carol Salmond of Victoria, by her son Dennis (Janet) of Sidney, BC, by grandchildren Nora (Will), Eva, Jessa, and John (Abilee), and by great grandchildren Eleanor, Rosalie, Ebba, Francis, and Ivan.

We want to thank the staff at the Summit for their immense kindness and care in Joyce’s last days. A celebration of life will take place at Central Baptist Church when pandemic conditions abate. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joyce’s name to The Gideons.