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Joy Delores Blackwood
(March 5, 1947 – October 7, 2024)
Joy Delores Blackwood, beloved mother of Norman, Donna, and Anthony, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024, at Norwood Nursing Home in Toronto, Ontario, where she had resided for the past four years following a stroke. Her final visits with her children were joyful, and she knew she was deeply loved by each of them. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1947 to David and Theresa Blackwood (née Campbell), Joy emigrated to Canada in the 1970s. Before her move, she worked as a midwife at Stork Nursing Home, where she was trained, and as a nursing assistant at Bustamante Hospital for Children. Outside of healthcare, Joy was also a portrait model at Edna Manley School of Art. The highlight of Joy’s career in Canada was in the political field, where she worked as a Constituency Assistant in Scarborough, Ontario. In retirement, she continued to advocate for others, offering advice, referrals, and a listening ear to those in need. An avid gardener, Joy had a green thumb and a deep love for music, enjoying everything from Rod Stewart to King Sunny Adé, with her favourite being her friend Bob, known to the rest of the world as Bob Marley, whom she had known when she was a teenager. After a stroke left her paralyzed on one side, she communicated through expressions, gestures, and simple sentences. During COVID, she adapted to video chats and earned the affectionate nicknames “Mama Joy” and “Joy to the World” from the nursing home staff. Joy is survived by her three children, siblings Gordon, Francine, and Yvonne, as well as her grandchildren Sasha, Matthew, and Myles. She was predeceased by her sisters, Dame Laughlin Whyte (“Pee Wee”) and Dawn (“Dawnie”) Williams. Her nieces and nephews will remember her as Aunt Joy or “Auntie Joyie,” and she was known to others as “Ms. B,” “Ms. Blackwood,” or “Norman/Donna/Anthony’s Mom.” An informal viewing with light refreshments will be held on: Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: St. John’s Dixie Cemetery & Crematorium 737 Dundas Street East Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B5 (Please join us in the Magnolia Room) For any family and friends unable to attend, the service will be live streamed through the following link:Live Memorial
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7 Guestbook Entries
October 14, 2024 | Francine Blackwood
2ndTimothy 4:v 6 “I have fought a good fight, I’ve kept the faith, I’ve finished my course.”
My big sister-Joy we thank you for the gift of love. You were our Matriarch of the family, now you’re sharing it up above. You had many things to say. All in a caring way. You always saw good in everyone; no matter what they’ve done. You were always the one we could lean on. Even though it must have felt like a ton. Now we all must let you rest calmly.
As we say goodbye, as tears rolled down our eyes.
Big sister-Joy your memories are our keepsake which we will NEVER part.
Gone but not FORGOTTEN!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Your sister-Francine-Beryl
October 16, 2024 | Eugene
To my dear friend Norman (Wholly) and family:
Heartfelt condolences from my family and I.
Your mom was a wonderful person. I always looked forward to chatting with her at the BBQ’s.
She will surely be missed but take solace in knowing she’s resting in peace.
Much love brother❤️.
Eugene, Joy, Bligh, Cassidy
October 16, 2024 | Heather Campbell
My best memories of aunt Joy was when I first came to Canada. A lot of my weekends were spent at her home in Scarborough, Ontario with her and her daughter Donna. She could laugh! She seem to laugh about everything, insomuch I don’t think anything bothered her. Her infectious laugh and kindness will surely be missed by all who knew her. I enjoyed her cooking, her company, and her kindness.
Sadly, I had not seen aunt Joy for some time since the stroke but I kept in touch through her son Norman. May her spirit continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Donna, Norman and Anthony, Yvonne, uncle Gordon, and aunt Beryl, and the rest of the family, be comforted and encouraged. God bless.
October 16, 2024 | Sheila Stephens
Joy you are loved. We grew up together in Jamaica and later migrated to Canada. Here we happy, have a beautiful life.. sorting out ways of making a better life and so we did. I miss you so much , hearing those lovely laughs you had, going to various activities around And then out to eat and chat. I give thanks for the lovely times I had with you. Now you have go, but never forgotten and forever loved. RIP my beloved Sis.
October 16, 2024 | N. Morais -Francis
A mother is such a rare treasure.
We are saddened at your loss and even more so that we could not be there with you all.
We are heartened to see the smiles and hugs instead of tears in true celebration of a “ joyous “ life well-lived.
Love of laughter ,life and family is the best love of all.
October 17, 2024 | Anne Gallagher
Donna – My deepest condolences to both you and your family.
October 18, 2024 | Gordon Gingras
Yesterday was a hard day , we had to say goodbye to this wonderful lady, my second mama, Joy Blackwood. I’ve know Joy for over 34 yrs., first as a voice on the phone as she helped me navigate some government sites after graduation. During that time Joy also befriended my mother and even though they never met they would talk on the phone quite a bit. When my mom passed in 1994, Joy called and offered her condolences, but added I will be you second mama, son. Joy always made me feel part of her family, we talked on the phone, sometimes I’d referee between her and MY DAUGHTER, her words not mine.And I loved sending her holiday greetings before her children did, I was always the first. When Joy had her stroke in 2020, it was awhile before I could see her, but on my first visit her eyes lit up and she did not let go of my arm, ( I think I still have the hand print on my arm). I would send her videos so she knew I was thinking of her.
Joy I want to thank you for being a wonderful person and the best second mama anyone could ask for. Wherever you are I hope you know you are loved and you’re dancing to Rod Stewart’s Do ya Think I’m Sexy.