Joyce Eleanor Holmes

Oct. 14, 1914 - Jan. 6, 2009

Joyce Eleanor Holmes (nee Hummel) peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tues., Jan. 6, 2009. She was 94.
She was born on Oct. 14, 1914 in Winchester Township to the late Samuel and Jenny Hummel. She was the wife of the late Thomas I. Holmes, whom she married on March 30, 1935. They co-laboured in dairy farming for 55 years. The family of seven consisted of Lynden (deceased), Lyall (Pat), Marion (Robert) Carkner, Eldon (deceased) (Carol Ann), Mac (Eunice), Carol (David) Bryan, and Connie (deceased). She was the grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. These numbers consist of a set of twin grandsons and twin great-grandsons.
She attended the Winchester Wesleyan Church and taught Sunday School for many years to an adult class. She served on the Hospital Auxiliary for Mountain and made great contributions of time and effort to help raise funds. Joyce had a wonderful green thumb and could nurture anything to live. She was a devoted and strong partner in her silent role to the JoyHolme Farm located on County Road 43, and then moved to Victoria Street Apartments, residing there for 18 years. Her dedicated attitude to her family was visible in all she did. Her gracious hosting of countless meals were served to family and an open invitation to anyone who appeared at mealtime.
Joyce was a true follower of Jesus Christ. Her strength came from her faith, and she often stated that she did not know what she would have done if she didn't have Jesus. She lived her faith, and her quiet demeanour spoke volumes about who she was and what sustained her day to day.
She had been in hospital in Winchester and headed to Cornwall General for therapy. She worked very hard to achieve strength in her right leg, not wanting to be a burden to anyone. She kept her warm smile, and her pleasant personality charmed each new contact, delighting everyone in the different hospitals. They found it hard to believe she was 94 years young.
Joyce was laid to rest at the Daniels Funeral Chapels Inc. in Winchester. The funeral was held on Sat., Jan. 10, at the Winchester Wesleyan Church that she attended most faithfully. Pastor Thurland Brown officiated the celebration of a life that truly emanated her love for the Lord. The pallbearers were her grandchildren.
Joyce's life was a testimony. She will always be treasured, and as one of the grandchildren said, "now we have another angel watching over us".
"Thank you Mother - we are so grateful that you are home."