Joy G. Helders passed away on September 23, 2008 at Chilliwack, BC at age 92 years. She was born on October 7, 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Joy is survived by her sister-in-law, Louise Ross of Ontario and several nieces and nephews as well as her close friends, Shirley Edwards, Craig Barclay, Jack Tearne and Cathy Sessions.
She was predeceased by her husband John Helders in 2001.
Joy and John moved to Chilliwack from Vancouver in 1953. John taught mathematics at CFB Chilliwack and Joy worked at the Unemployment Office, in Chilliwack. She had taught school in Port Alberni after graduating from UBC and was enticed back into teaching by J.Y. Halcrow. She taught and counseled at Chilliwack Senior Secondary, until her retirement in 1980.
Joy was a great patron of the arts, a generous donor to all charities and a true friend. She had a “wicked” wit and a great sense of humour.
Joy wrote a poem in 1927 and submitted it to Harper’s Magazine under the pseudonym of “Daphne Palliser”.
Beautiful gentle Jesus
High on a cross so bare
Full of love and forgiveness
As He hung, dying, there
Would that I could do it
Forgive both foe and friend
And line in love and charity
Until the end.
She did!!!!
A celebration of Joy’s life will be held on Oct 18, 2008 at the Masonic Hall, 45905 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack, BC, between 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the afternoon.
Online condolences can be left at www.mem.com