Joyce Hope

Joyce Patricia Welch passed away November 5, 2017 at Chatham Kent Health Alliance. She was born July 29, 1937, in Blenheim, 80 years ago, daughter of the late Lillian Markey and George Welch. She is predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Kenneth Wayne Hope.

Loving wife and mother, loyal friend, community-minded citizen and animal lover, Joyce loved nothing better than to nurture, care and support those nearest and dearest to her. She was raised in Blenheim, but later moved to Guilds and raised a family with her loving husband Ken Hope. Throughout her life, she balanced work as an office assistant at McGeorge Construction and Mallory’s in Blenheim and later as a representative at Sears in Chatham while dedicating time to family life.

Going for drives to the lake, planting gardens in the spring, picnics at the beach with the kids on warm summer days and spending time with her pets, especially her special cat, Lilly, were some of her favorite pastimes. She was an avid reader and loved to share stories and books with her children, grandchildren and friends.

A proud member of the Blenheim and Guilds communities, she participated in UCW, I.O.D.E. and was a leader for United Church Explorers for many years. In later years, Joyce enjoyed time spent visiting with her friends over coffee and interacting with neighbors. She was always a good listener with a smile and a story to share.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Heather and Brian Panchyshak of Windsor, Stephanie and Brad Potier of Lake Orion, Michigan and Stephen and Renée Hope of Blenheim, seven grandchildren, Katelyn and Rachel Panchyshak, Mitchell and Kurtis Potier, Suprina and Brad Bartlett, Krystal Goodison, Tyler and Samantha Goodison, and five great-grandchildren, Miley, Tyrese, Tyzon, Logan and Owen and a brother and sister-in-law Les and Louise Welch of Whitby. She is predeceased by her sister Kathleen Cundle and brother, Art Welch.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate and share stories of Joyce’s life at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9th from 1-3pm. As per Joyce’s wishes a cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held after the reception. Those wishing to remember Joyce with a memorial donation, are encouraged to donate to Pet and Wildlife Rescue of Chatham.