Joyce Brake
December 31, 1945 to April 5, 2021
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Joyce Anne Brake announce her passing on April 5th, 2021 at the age of 75 years old.
She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her three daughters: Michelle (Randy), Alison (Kirk), Amanda (Pat); grandchildren: Stephen, Michael, Ashley, Ryan, Kyle, Aidan, and Justin; sisters: Imelda, Zita (Norman), Ella (Frank), Stella (Randy), Marian, Deanna; brothers Ben (Helen), Vince (Bev); step-mother Sissy, companion Lew Skinner, father of their 3 daughters Gordon Bennett, and many former coworkers and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Elsie and William Brake, sisters Bernadette and Irene, and brother Wallace.
Joyce was born and raised in South Branch, Newfoundland. She lost her mother at the tender age of 14 years old. She graduated grade 11 and then went on to teach grade school first in South Branch then in Port Aux Basques. She then began her 33 year career with the College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville where she retired and was tremendously respected as Purchasing Manager.
Joyce had many qualities that made her loved and deeply respected. Her biggest influence in life was her father, who instilled in her the enduring values of hard work and kindness. She was the most honest, loyal, kind hearted, ethical, loving human being, and also possessed an unforgettable sense of humor. She cherished her children and especially her grandchildren, developing a unique and precious bond with each of them. She made great effort to connect with them as often as life would let her do so. Her motto in life was to “Be Kind Always” and anyone who was fortunate enough to know her felt that kindness deeply. She will be missed more than words can say.
A funeral mass will be held at Saint Sylvester’s Church in South Branch on April 23rd, time to be confirmed, with cemetery service to follow. The family asks that the current Covid guidelines be followed and respected, with the maximum number able to attend the Church service being 35. Memorial Donations would be greatly appreciated to your local Autism association.
To Lew and family. Our sincere a deepest condolence Doug and Diane Schiemann in Ottawa Ont
Michelle, Alison, Amanda and Lew,
My heart breaks with you at the sudden loss of your mom……..and Lew, the loss of you loving partner.
Joyce has always been the most kind and loving sister to me including taking on a mother role when she was just a child herself. Our brother Vince and I will cherish forever the ( Christmas in September )that Joyce organized for her Siblings in 2018. Dear Sister, may you rest on the wings of eternity….you will be forever in my heart.
Love Stel
Michelle, Alison and Amanda – I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I met her in 1973 when I graduated and started working at the College. I always enjoyed our talks, visits to Ontario and me to Stephenville. She was always kind hearted, funny and a joy to be around. Your world is changed forever but know she is still watchung you and carry her in your hearts forever. Loved and never forgotten. RIP Joyce
Lew,
Please accept me and my family’s deepest condolences on the loss of your Joyce. I just recently learned this very sad news, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Joyce’s family. Remember the good times and hold on to every memory. May Joyce rest in peace. Stay strong friend.
Marilyn & Greg Dodd
Lew
So sorry to read of your wife passing. You mentioned her many times when we spoke with you in Torbay while we dropped by to visit Katie and feed Katie (Joe’s horse) as you did as well. We had’t seen you in a couple of weeks, now we know why. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May she rest peacefully.
Lynn & Frank Murray
So very, very sorry, Lew. Be strong.
Michelle and family your mom was a wonderful kind woman who had only great things to say about her family, my heart and prayers are for you all
So sorry for your loss. Joyce was my cousin and my
very first teacher in South Branch at the school that
is now their community center. With Love, Thoughts and Prayers to her family at this time of sorrow.
Sorry to see that Joyce has passed away. We shared many good times as neighbours, colleagues, and young people raising our families in Stephenville. Condolences to all her family on this sad occasion.
Michelle, sending deepest condolences on the passing of your dear Mother. May she Rest In Peace.. ????????
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joyce’s family. We know how much she was loved. She was a long time friend, and will be be missed by anyone that had a chance to meet her.. She will be welcomed in heaven by the many angels we all know
Sorry for your loss.
35 days ago I drove to St. John’s thinking you just needed some extra help around the house and maybe your driveway shovelled. If only I could’ve known how short our time was… I would’ve have hugged you so much more and likely got on your nerves more lol.
I drive back home tomorrow knowing I will never hug you again, never hold your hand, never hear one of your amazing stories again. My heart is broken. If love could’ve saved you my beautiful Mother – you would’ve lived forever ????????????
We are so saddened to hear your Mom passed. My all the memories you have become treasures that you can reach for and bring you solace. Sending you all our deepest sympathies.
I know how much you girls will miss your Mother
She was such a wonderful person
Such a zest for life. I will miss her
I am so sorry and my heart is breaking for you girls. I can’t imagine what you are feeling but what I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed your Mom’s company when she visited Ontario. She was a breath of fresh air and bought life to the party. She will be missed but not forgotten.
All my love,
Vanessa Allonby
Our deepest condolences… So sad to lose a loved one so suddenly.
Sending lots of love and strength your way,
Saddened to hear of Joyce’s passing. Such a kindhearted & giving lady. She has left an everlasting imprint on the many lives she’s touched. May you have strength in the days to come. Keeping you all in my prayers.
I will miss you my dear friend, we had so many laughs and chats together. To Michelle, Alison and Amanda, and families, and Lew, you are in my prayers. Joyce was a special lady. Cherish the memories, she left us all with beautiful memories.
Condolences to all of Joyce family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Our prayers are with Lew and all of Joyce’s family at this challenging time. We were fortunate to know Joyce through Lew’s music; she was so warm and welcoming to everyone. Love, strength, and comfort to you all.
Lew we are so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you and Joyces family .
Michelle, Alison, Amanda , Joyce’s beautiful grandchildren, her son in laws who she spoke of fondly & all her extended family ,,, there is a void that’s left in your lives that will never be filled by this wonderful lady but cherish your memories all the wonderful good times you guys had together she has left a wonderful legacy with you all, I wish I could be near you at this time sending love and hugs from far away.
Love aunt Margo
A terrible loss. She was a wonderful Aunt to Alyssa and I and gave us a lot of fond childhood memories. My heart goes out to everyone.
My deepest sympathy and condolence to the children and the Brake family of Joyce. rest in peace Joyce.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Joyce. My condolence to her daughters and the Brake family.
To Michelle, Alison, Amanda and all of Joyce’s family and loved ones: my very sincerest sympathy and condolences on Joyce’s passing. She and I did not know each other but from what I’ve heard she left a legacy of kindness that her daughters will carry on. Rest in peace, Joyce. (Cousin) Patricia Murrin
I am so very sorry to hear of your wife’s passing Lew. Cherish your memories my friend and please accept my sincerest condolences.
To Lew and Joyce’s family…
Very sincere condolences to you all at this sad time.
We never met Joyce but heard many wonderful things about her. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with her.
Love and warm wishes xo
Wally & Gloria Harris
To Michelle, Alison, Amanda, Your Dad, and all your loved ones, Our Love and Deepest Sympathy come to you at this very difficult time.. Loving your Mom as you all do, and our loving her, such a wonderful friend as we always have , makes saying Good Bye t o Her impossible. . So long for now is the best we can do., See you some time later.. God Bless and Keep you Joyce with All the other Angels.. Peace Be With You and Light Everlasting. Amen.
Michelle, Allison, Amanda and all the family please know that my heart is with you all. Losing a parent is never easy but you have so many wonderful memories to cherish forever. Remember each memory with a smile because your mom will smile with you
To Lew and all Joyce,s family:Condolences to all of you. Joyce was a very special friend and lady.Lew we are so sorry I know how close you both were..She was well loved and liked. We got to know her when we went to all the shows Lew played in.Very special lady.God Bless and we will be thinking of you all.BIG HUGS
we will miss her. she was a lovely woman and a good friend. i have fond memories of spending time with her at Erin’s. our deepest condolences to Lew and her family. .
Lew, so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing.. Keep strong. Kathleen and I are thinking of you at this time..
Sincere sympathy to all Joyce’s Family at this very sad time .
This is such a shock to us, as we were not aware Joyce was ill. Our heartfelt condolences to her three daughters, her beloved grandchildren and Lew.
Joyce was the sweetest kind. She was there always to help or just make you feel welcome. I found her to be very kind and her smile most welcoming. I would always see Joyce and Lew together, so the next time I see you Lew, it will really be difficult for me.
Hold on to your beautiful memories and our thoughts are with you all. ????
Love, Linda and Vernon
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Lew and all of Joyce’s family on her passing. May she forever Rest In Peace.
Michelle, Allison, and Amanda, so sorry for your loss. Aunt Joyce was a great lady who raised three great girls who she was very proud of. Wishing I could be there with you. Take care.
Michelle, Alison, Amanda, and all of Joyce’s grandchildren. Deepest condolences to you all. A Mother’s love is always with her children and that was very evident with Joyce. Losing your Mom is one of the greatest sorrows you will ever have but her goodness, her caring, and her wisdom will live on like a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you all now and bring you comfort and peace.
Michelle, Allison, and Amanda, we are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Joyce cherished the time she spent with you and your families. Lew, we offer condolences to you on the loss of your loving partner. May you find comfort in the happy memories.
A beautiful and unforgettable lady I was blessed to know as my wife for over a quarter century and the memories we shared will live with me until we meet again. Joyce was one of God’s own Angels, who has now gone home, but will be with me and our family forever.