Obituary of Joyce Hepple Strickland

Joyce Hepple (Frazer) Strickland died peacefully in Dartmouth on September 1st at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Joyce is survived by her brother Alan (Gloria) Frazer, of New Glasgow; by her Daughters April Funnell (Daniel) of Calgary, Kathleen Flewwelling (David) of Dartmouth; and her sons Whitman Strickland of Chance Harbour, Leslie Strickland (Nancy) of New Glasgow and Robin Strickland of Dartmouth and her 10 Grandchildren (Andrew and Allison Funnell, Chris and Kelly Strickland, Kim, Lesley and Jeff Strickland, Tobi, Tommy and Erin Flewwelling) and 24 Great Grandchildren. Joyce was predeceased by her sisters Elizabeth Knowles (Brian) and Dorothy Taylor (Mick) of England. Joyce was born on April 6, 1926 in Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, England to Thomas Luke and Isabella (Hepple) Frazer. Joyce grew up in England and during World War II she worked for the Canadian Treasury Office in Lancaster where she met her husband and traveled to Canada as a War Bride in 1946. They raised their family in New Glasgow where she was a prominent member of Trinity United Church, President of the UCW, taught Sunday School and was a leader in CGIT and Explorers. After moving to Dartmouth in 1968 Joyce pursued a career in hairdressing and worked at the Victoria General Hospital for over 35 years, where she not only made the patients look better but brightened their day and lifted their spirits. After retiring from the hospital, Joyce continued her hairdressing at home to her many faithful friends and clients. She also served many valuable years of volunteer work at the Dartmouth Seniors' Center and belonged to a number of organizations. Joyce had many talents and interests, including, painting and gardening. She went to England every year to visit her relatives and friends there. She loved to travel and visited many and various parts of the world. Most important to Joyce was spending time with her beloved family. They will remember her as a warm, caring, strong, independent mother/grandmother who loved, encouraged and supported them through every endeavour. She touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her smile, positivity and kindness will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place and a funeral and celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, September 8th at 2:00 p.m. at Port Wallis United Church, 263 Waverly Road, with a reception to follow in the Church Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joyce's life. A private ceremony to inter the ashes will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dartmouth General Hospital Charitable Foundation. There are many people and organizations to thank for helping to make Joyce's final years as independent for her as possible and the family would specifically like to thank all her caregivers from Northwood Home Care, the VON, her nurses, doctors and support staff at the Dartmouth General, where she received exceptional care, as well as all of her many supportive and cherished friends.