Obituary for Johanna (Joyce) Neeltje Hill (Hoogerdyk)
Johanna (Joyce) Neeltje Hill (née Hoogerdyk)
Joyce, 80, passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2022, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Thomas (Tom) Robert Hill.
The first of three daughters, Joyce was born September 19th, 1941, to Gijsberta Verweij and Laurens Pieter Hoogerdyk in the village of Buurmalsen, Netherlands.
Joyce tragically lost her mother at the age of 4, but with her father's remarriage the following year, she gained a stepmother and younger brother, and soon, a new sister.
At age 11, Joyce immigrated with her family to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax on April 1st, 1953, before moving on to settle in Whitby, Ontario, where she would later build her own family.
Growing up in the small community of Port Whitby, Joyce became acquainted with Tom Hill through frequent encounters around town. After she befriended his younger sister and began spending time at their house, Joyce and Tom's relationship grew.
On June 24th, 1961, they were married, and by 1970, the couple had welcomed three children into their life and built a home in the country where they grew vegetables and kept ponies. The home became the heart of the family, hosting countless gatherings and celebrations for over 50 years.
During her life, Joyce was an active member of the Lucky Strikes bowling team, the Ladies' Auxiliary at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the St. Paul's Presbyterian Church Choir, the Whitby Seniors' Jubilee Choir, and the Audley Community Club. She volunteered many hours to church bake sales and Burns Night suppers, as well as canvassing for The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. In addition to her extensive volunteering, Joyce did work as a census taker and poll worker, and she frequently won awards for her baking at the Brooklin Spring Fair. She even found time to work as an Avon Lady for 30 years, which allowed her to make many friends that she kept in contact with following her retirement.
Joyce took great delight in her garden, growing an abundance of flowers and vegetables every year, and she loved watching the multitude of birds that visited her feeders.
When she wasn't working in the garden or visiting friends, Joyce could often be found working on increasingly difficult puzzles, reading, or cheering on a ballgame in her lucky Blue Jays earrings.
Her children fondly remember spending time with Joyce in the kitchen, baking and listening to her favourite music, as well as going on special trips to the SkyDome to see the Blue Jays play.
Joyce's adventurous spirit did not diminish with age, and she always took great care in planning special activities to do with her grandchildren. Cullen Gardens was a favourite destination, as well as Parkwood Estate, Casa Loma, the Brooklin Spring Fair, and, of course, Blue Jays games, but even a simple trip to the mall was always fun with Oma.
As her family grew, Joyce enthusiastically shared her hobbies, inspiring enduring passions for puzzles, books, baking, gardening, birdwatching, and the Blue Jays in her children and grandchildren.
Joyce was deeply devoted to her family and community, and the warmth of her presence will be sorely missed. She is lovingly remembered for her quiet wit, clever humour, giving spirit, and constant strength. Her charm attracted countless friends throughout her lifetime, and her absence is felt by many.
Joyce is predeceased by her parents, sister Mary (Stoney Cooper - predeceased), niece Lisa Cooper, and nephew Ricky Langille. She is survived by her three children, Kathy (John Penny), Ted (Jacqueline Gold), and Susan (Dave Gunhouse); three grandchildren, Caitlin, Sarah, and Trevor; and four siblings, Gerri (Dave Langille - predeceased), Martin (Mafalda Macaulay), Nel (Blue Cameron - predeceased), and Norman (Tammy Abbott).
A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at 2 PM on July 16th, 2022, at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home in Whitby. A tea party will follow the service in the reception room.
Donations in memory of her extensive volunteer work would be welcomed by The Heart And Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Joyce, 80, passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2022, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Thomas (Tom) Robert Hill.
The first of three daughters, Joyce was born September 19th, 1941, to Gijsberta Verweij and Laurens Pieter Hoogerdyk in the village of Buurmalsen, Netherlands.
Joyce tragically lost her mother at the age of 4, but with her father's remarriage the following year, she gained a stepmother and younger brother, and soon, a new sister.
At age 11, Joyce immigrated with her family to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax on April 1st, 1953, before moving on to settle in Whitby, Ontario, where she would later build her own family.
Growing up in the small community of Port Whitby, Joyce became acquainted with Tom Hill through frequent encounters around town. After she befriended his younger sister and began spending time at their house, Joyce and Tom's relationship grew.
On June 24th, 1961, they were married, and by 1970, the couple had welcomed three children into their life and built a home in the country where they grew vegetables and kept ponies. The home became the heart of the family, hosting countless gatherings and celebrations for over 50 years.
During her life, Joyce was an active member of the Lucky Strikes bowling team, the Ladies' Auxiliary at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the St. Paul's Presbyterian Church Choir, the Whitby Seniors' Jubilee Choir, and the Audley Community Club. She volunteered many hours to church bake sales and Burns Night suppers, as well as canvassing for The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. In addition to her extensive volunteering, Joyce did work as a census taker and poll worker, and she frequently won awards for her baking at the Brooklin Spring Fair. She even found time to work as an Avon Lady for 30 years, which allowed her to make many friends that she kept in contact with following her retirement.
Joyce took great delight in her garden, growing an abundance of flowers and vegetables every year, and she loved watching the multitude of birds that visited her feeders.
When she wasn't working in the garden or visiting friends, Joyce could often be found working on increasingly difficult puzzles, reading, or cheering on a ballgame in her lucky Blue Jays earrings.
Her children fondly remember spending time with Joyce in the kitchen, baking and listening to her favourite music, as well as going on special trips to the SkyDome to see the Blue Jays play.
Joyce's adventurous spirit did not diminish with age, and she always took great care in planning special activities to do with her grandchildren. Cullen Gardens was a favourite destination, as well as Parkwood Estate, Casa Loma, the Brooklin Spring Fair, and, of course, Blue Jays games, but even a simple trip to the mall was always fun with Oma.
As her family grew, Joyce enthusiastically shared her hobbies, inspiring enduring passions for puzzles, books, baking, gardening, birdwatching, and the Blue Jays in her children and grandchildren.
Joyce was deeply devoted to her family and community, and the warmth of her presence will be sorely missed. She is lovingly remembered for her quiet wit, clever humour, giving spirit, and constant strength. Her charm attracted countless friends throughout her lifetime, and her absence is felt by many.
Joyce is predeceased by her parents, sister Mary (Stoney Cooper - predeceased), niece Lisa Cooper, and nephew Ricky Langille. She is survived by her three children, Kathy (John Penny), Ted (Jacqueline Gold), and Susan (Dave Gunhouse); three grandchildren, Caitlin, Sarah, and Trevor; and four siblings, Gerri (Dave Langille - predeceased), Martin (Mafalda Macaulay), Nel (Blue Cameron - predeceased), and Norman (Tammy Abbott).
A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at 2 PM on July 16th, 2022, at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home in Whitby. A tea party will follow the service in the reception room.
Donations in memory of her extensive volunteer work would be welcomed by The Heart And Stroke Foundation of Canada.