Born in Montreal to Allen and Sally Leigh, Joyce attended D'Arcy McGee High School and St. Joseph's Teacher's College. She taught at Pius Tenth and Town of Mount Royal Catholic High.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Albert White, her children Michael (Tonja Leach), Stephen (Shelly White), Alicia (Aaron Curtis), and her grandchildren Cora, Nya, Evelyn, Karina, and Brianna.
In 1966 she married Albert White and their son Michael was born in 1967. In 1968 they moved to Burlington, Ontario where their son Stephen and their daughter Alicia were born. In 1975 they moved to Ottawa and in 1979 they moved again to St. John's, Newfoundland, the home province of her husband, Albert. During this time in St. John's, she completed a Master's Degree in Education at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
In 1984 they move back to Ottawa where Joyce was manager of adult basic education and English as a second language for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. For her work in this area, she was awarded the Kenneth J. Mattran Award by the Commission on Adult Basic Education in the United States, the first time it has ever been awarded to someone outside of the United States.
Also, during her tenure at the Ottawa District School Board, she was selected to be the representative for English Canada on a UNESCO task force for international literacy in 1990. In this capacity she travelled extensively in France, Germany, the US, Kenya, India, Thailand and other countries.
She retired in 1998. When her husband retired in 1999, they began travelling extensively in Australia, Europe, South America, Russia, the Yukon and other places. Joyce was always ready to take up a challenge, and extremely enthusiastic about life.
At the age of 60 she took up running and kept it up until the last weekend of her life. She ran too many races to count - Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Ottawa, New York, Disney Marathons and too many other races to mention. Usually placing in the coveted top 3 spots in her class she has an impressive medal collection that most runners could only wish for.
She has been an inspiration to education professionals, her granddaughters, and running communities in Ottawa and Newfoundland for many many years. She will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Beechwood Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, from 5 – 7pm on Friday, December 3. A Memorial Service will be held at Canadian Martyrs Parish, 100 Main St, Ottawa, on Saturday, December 4 at 10:30am. The Family have chosen to remove the distancing requirement and capacity limit at both the visitation and the Memorial Service but all patrons must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and government identification upon arrival.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to Shepherds of Good Hope are appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Maureen and Kieran O’Halloran
Kathy & CLaude Turbide
Deeply sorry for your loss. We have great memories of time spent with Joyce and Al
In Newfoundland and Bonita Springs. We will miss her.
Micheline Merilees
A star shining in the firmament!How I will miss this incredible human being.Love to you.
Susan Nutbrown
My sincere condolences on your loss. I remember with fondness working with Joyce at the Ottawa Board of Education and our trek to Jomtien, Thailand, in 1990 at the World Conference on Education for All.
The Carew & Carson Families
Our deepest sympathies on the sudden passing of Joyce. Joyce was such a lovely person, full of energy and a positive light that drew you into conversation with ease. She was always interested in what others had to say, and generously gave them her full attention. Valerie will never forget her support and interest in her art over the years. Joyce was also an inspiration with her countless running achievements. A dear and best friend to Mom and Dad, they treasured their time together. We were fortunate to have Joyce and Al attend many of our milestone family celebrations, which have given us fond memories. We will miss her dearly.
Al, you are in our hearts and we wish you peace in the days ahead. God Bless to all during this sad time.
Susan Hoddinott
Before she retired and discovered her passion for travel and her talent for racing, Joyce was known and highly regarded across Canada as an outstanding educator. Apart from her work administering programs in the Ottawa region, she also took on groundbreaking national research in adult education and literacy. I had the great privilege of working with her on two of those projects over several years. Her approach to her work was intelligent and tireless and what she achieved was remarkable. I enjoyed every minute working with her, and we became lifelong friends. Her loss is immeasurable. My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Albert, Michael, Steven, Alicia and their families.
Alice and Mike Anderson
So shocked and sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. I always admired Joyce and feel so lucky to have had her as a sister-in-law. Wonderful memories over the last 50 plus years. Prayers for Albert and the family. Wish I could be there with you.
Marie White
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was such an inspirational person and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her. My last memory of Joyce was having tea with her and Albert at the house in Culls Harbour in August. Always a welcoming and fun visit. Hugs to the entire family.
viola caissy
My Deepest sympathy goes out to Al and family. Joyce will always be the shining light. May she Rest in Peace.
Angela Quinlan
I remember Joyce from Sunday morning walks with “Lost in Pace”. Joyce was always open and so friendly, I really enjoyed her company. My condolences to her family.
We will miss you Aunt Joyce, thank you for the many wonderful memories you have left in our hearts. I’m sure you are already organizing a running club in heaven May you Rest In Peace. Much love to uncle Albert, Michael, Stephen, Alicia and their families xoxoxo