Obituary

 Joyce passed peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family at the age of 88. Joyce is survived by her husband of 68 years, Donald Blackburn, her three children Cheryl Pickard and her husband John, Karen Blackburn and her husband Benson Rajf, and Derek Blackburn and his wife Sandra (nee Brubacher), and 6 grandchildren, Emma Pickard (Graham Barr), Matthew Pickard, Jamie Rajf (Michael Walker), Ethan Rajf, Laura Blackburn (Richard Johnson), Sarah Blackburn (Wesley Gadient), and one great grandson “Freddie” Barr. Joyce was born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, where she met her future husband (Donald Blackburn) while working as the Bookkeeper for two car dealerships. Joyce and Don got married on September 14, 1955 and soon after began their work/travel journey. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin with three young children in tow while Don pursued his Masters and Ph.D degrees at the University of Wisconsin. Joyce ran the household during the day and supported Don at night by typing his assignments and then his Doctoral thesis. She was awarded her own “Ph. T” for “Putting hubby Through” for the instrumental support she provided to Don at the University of Wisconsin. In 1967, Joyce and Don then moved the family to Guelph, Ontario where Don had accepted and had a long career at the University of Guelph. Guelph became their longtime home. Joyce was an avid Curler where she met many of her lifelong friends. Joyce was the “Skip” for many curling teams that won district and regional championships. She also competed in several Ontario Provincial Curling Championships. Cremation has taken place. Joyce’s final resting place will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Guelph, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Guelph General Hospital would be greatly appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Joyce A. Blackburn in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.