Joyce Winifred Routley

Joyce was born in Smithers British Columbia on December 19, 1939 to Duncan and Winifred McLean.  She lived her whole life in Smithers.  Her mother Winifred was a devout Christian and led Joyce to a personal faith in Jesus at a very early age. Joyce met the love of her life Harold, and they were married in Smithers on May 21, 1965. God blessed them with a son John. Joyce spent her life as a loving wife, mother and prudent home maker. She loved to tend her garden, especially nurturing beautiful flowers which are still evidenced around their home today - lupins, honey suckles, lilacs, poppies, bleeding hearts and forget-me-nots bloom where she carefully planted and nurtured them in years past. She enjoyed traveling together with Harold and John in their van during vacation times, visiting family and friends as well as enjoying God's wonderful creation along the way. They traveled throughout British Columbia, Alberta, to the Saskatchewan border and to Washington USA. Her hobby of painting is evidenced by some of the paintings hanging on the wall of their house today. Joyce loved to fish; her adventures fishing included narrowly escaping the attack of a grizzly bear in the Nass country! Joyce loved to sing the old gospel hymns and would speak freely of her faith in Jesus.

            Joyce was deeply grieved by the passing of their only son John, but despite her grief, she was encouraged by his faith in Jesus and the assurance of seeing him again in heaven. Joyce spent the last three years in the Bulkley Lodge. Harold and the family would like to thank Dr. Preto and the staff at the Lodge for their patient, understanding, compassionate care for Joyce during this difficult time.

            Joyce was predeceased by her older sister Louise, her mother Winifred, father Duncan, and her son John. Left to mourn are her loving husband Harold, her granddaughter Cassidy, her daughter-in-law Stephanie, other relatives and friends.

            Joyce passed into the presence of Jesus on May 31, 2021. We have this confidence because God promised in His word "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

  For those who wish to do so, may make a donation in memory of Joyce to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. https://www.bcchf.ca/

            Due to health regulations a small graveside service was held at the Smithers Cemetery where her earthly body was laid to rest near the graves of her father and mother.

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