Memories and Stories
Please post your favorite stories or memories of Mom here.
Joyce Duncan: A memorial — Share your stories
Who is she?
Joyce Duncan is a remarkable woman.She was born in Winnipeg, but first played on the shores of Grassy Narrows, 50 miles north of Kenora, at a Hudson's Bay outpost. In 1950, civilization called, and the Hughes family moved to Kenora, Ontario.
She enrolled in mathematics at University of Waterloo, and then teacher's college at Queen's. Her first posting was to Alderwood CI in Etobicoke.
She finally gave in to some boy who seemed to follow her around (from Kenora, to Waterloo, to Toronto), and was married to Cam Duncan on March 18, 1972.
She taught full-time for 30 years, raised 2 kids, ran the household and still had time to casually ask if you thought you were making good use of your time.
She died on October 2, 2009.
We miss her already.
Angie Miller (MacLeish)
5 Oct, 2009
13:28
My gosh – I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was my department head, and friend, from the time I started teaching in 1993 until she retired. Your mother was a wonderful lady (as I’m sure you know) and was a big help to me in my early years of teaching. We met up often at social gatherings and back when Arleigh (and my sister) played baseball. I really enjoyed chatting with her and hearing about her family (whom she talked about often). I’m very sad to hear about her struggle with cancer and deeply saddened by her passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Angie Miller (nee MacLeish)
Jennifer Bryan
10 Oct, 2009
00:39
My thoughts are with you Uncle Cam, Rob, Arleigh, and family. When reflecting back on my favorite memories of my time with Auntie Joyce, there is immediately one that comes to mind and brings a huge smile to my face.
In the summer after my graduation from High School in 1994, I came to Ontario with Grandma and Grandpa Hughes for a month visit. My friend Amanda also came out from Vancouver for part of the time and we stayed with Auntie Joyce and Uncle Cam. Not sure how to keep two teenage girls entertained Auntie Joyce did her best to keep us busy.
I fondly remember fun-filled days of new adventures exploring downtown Toronto, shopping on Spadina, and going on the rides at Ontario Place. She was such a good sport when we made her sit in the front on the water ride, resulting in only her getting soaking wet! A dress incident, where Auntie Joyce had to rescue my friend who was trying on a dress a tad too small and who got severely stuck inside it, kept us laughing all the way back to the house. I remember driving on the highway with all three of us laughing hysterically and not being able to stop. I think Auntie Joyce really enjoyed just letting loose and having fun like a young girl again. Either that or she was just laughing at us, thinking we were crazy!
I was so happy when Auntie Joyce, Uncle Cam, Arleigh and Ryan traveled all the way to join us for my wedding in Kelowna, BC in 2006. Aunite Joyce jumped right in to help with all the last minute tasks. It was so wonderful to have our family be there to share in what was such a special day for me.
I know that she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Joyce was a wonderfully strong and caring person. I will hold my memories of my times with Auntie Joyce close to my heart.
Pam Tranah
10 Oct, 2009
00:43
Joyce worked across the hall from me at Scarlett Heights for three years, but I also knew her from the community — your sister Arleigh and my daughter Adrienne both played for the Eringate baseball league. Your Mom was an avid fan!
I look forward to meeting you this evening, though it seems as if we have already met, having heard so much about you and your sister over many lunches in the staffroom! Everything from your wedding, to your children (your Mom looked forward to spending time with them vs. supply teaching after retirement) to Arleigh’s decision to change her focus in studies and enroll in nursing.
I had been wondering about your Mom of late — we still had the occasion to bump into each other at Cloverdale, but it’s been a while. Now I know why our paths ceased to cross.
I spent some time today looking through my collection of staff pictures, as I took the last photos of your Mom at Scarlett — one at her desk and one at her classroom door. I will bring these with me this evening and leave them for you and Arleigh.
Much sympathy to you and your sister, and your Father.
Pam Tranah