Joyce Neill (nee Bolton)

Joyce (Joy) Emily Neill (née Bolton) passed away peacefully at Extendicare Haliburton on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, with her daughter by her side. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on December 27, 1932, Joy grew up in a loving home with her parents, sister Hazel and brothers Alexander and Samuel, who are all predeceased. At age 17, Joy met the love of her life, Samuel Wilson Neill, also of Belfast. They quickly fell in love and were married in 1950. Joy and Sam decided that adventure was in the cards for them, and emigrated to Canada together with their first child, James, in 1955. They quickly found their place in the community and thrived with work and family, welcoming another son, Kevin, and a daughter, Sharon. Joy and Sam enjoyed many happy years of marriage, raising their children, travelling, spending time with friends, often going out “to the dance” on Saturday nights. They even became competitive ballroom dancers! When Sam passed away suddenly in 1996, Joy was heartbroken. She soldiered on, finding solace and comfort with her large family and many friends. She continued to go “to the dance” with friends, and eventually met Alexander Drysdale there, who became her long-time companion, until his passing in 2018. In recent years, Joy was an avid reader. However, her favourite pastime was catching up with friends and family, in person or on the phone, preferably over a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Joy is predeceased by her son James (Joan). She is survived by her son Kevin, daughter Sharon (Dave Kowaluk), grandchildren Sylvia, Cathy, Jessica, Samantha, Pamela, J.J., Sydney, and great-grandchildren Camille, Lochlan, Curtis and Lauren, nieces and nephews, and many extended family in Canada, the U.S. and in Northern Ireland.

Private Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements are private. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy. #118, Haliburton, Ontario (705) 457-9209. 

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