Joyce was born on Friday, June 19, 1953 in Oakville, Ontario to parents Wolter and Jeanne (Jaspers) Heringa. The Heringa family soon moved to the Eglinton and Keele area of Toronto where Joyce soon welcomed her younger brother Edwin to the family. Joyce attended Silverthorn Public School, Queensborough Junior High and completed her high school education at Nelson A. Boylen Secondary School.
It was during her high school years that Joyce ran into a young man by the name of David Lloyd Dyball, while he was playing football. Dave recalls Joyce wanting to “mooch” a smoke from him. In their next encounter a couple weeks later Joyce asked for another smoke, to which Dave said “no,” she then asked him out…. He said “no” again (he thought she was too forward)! A couple of weeks later he called her and invited her over to help with some painting and as they say, the rest is history. The young couple were married on December 7, 1972 at City Hall in Toronto.
For the first few years of marriage they lived in Toronto before moving north to Alliston. They commuted together daily as Joyce worked for Sealtest. Over time Sealtest was bought out by Dominion Dairies, then Ault Foods and finally Nestle, yet Joyce stayed committed to her job and the company. She enjoyed her co-workers, her job as a general clerk, and even completed her Business Degree (while working) to keep current. Joyce retired in 2011 after 35+ years on the job.
Dave and Joyce’s family soon grew as they welcomed their son David Jr. on June 18, 1978 with Denise following on January 17, 1981. In time, the Dyballs moved farther north to the community of Angus. Here they enjoyed their rural acre and a half, with 600 feet of waterfront along the Nottawasaga River.
Joyce loved life and would try anything at least once. She was a loving, big hearted woman, who loved being around people. She lived up to her name (Joy), was diplomatic, a sounding board for others and the ultimate negotiator. She always placed her trust in others and was an amazing, thoughtful and caring grandmother to her beloved granddaughters Kyla and Paige.
She was the President of the soccer league in Alliston, enjoyed darts, participating in the Senior Games and Provincials through the Legion. She was active in the Legion Auxiliary as well as a member of the Red Hats. She loved to scrapbook, crochet and knit. However, flowers might have been her favourite. Joyce cherished the time she spent outside in her gardens caring for her flowers, especially her roses. She enjoyed her card and dice games and treasured the weekly crossword in The Toronto Star, which she always worked through with her friend Liviana over the phone. Imagine!
Joyce was most proud of her kids and loved her grandkids Kyla (13 years old) and Paige (9 years old). When she became a Nana, Joyce was overjoyed and was famous for showing pictures of them whenever the opportunity was available. She was so proud of them. Bart was welcomed with loving arms, as a son-in-law. Joyce was so happy the day Denise and Bart made it official on September, 10, 2011. It was indeed a highlight to watch her daughter walk up the aisle with father Dave and down the aisle with husband Bart.
Joyce’s son David brought Krista home ten years ago. She was happy to know that her son had found love in ‘crazy’ Krista. The two love each other and have a similar relationship to his parents, Joyce and David.
Joyce always enjoyed the Christmas season as well as getting into costume as “The Witch” for Halloween. When it came to TV it was usually an animated movie, NCIS or enjoying Coronation Street with Dave. She enjoyed a wide variety of music, everything from Gene Pitney to Pink Floyd. Likewise, Joyce not only loved listening to music but she also was a singer, and could always be heard singing along with the music. When it came to refreshments, Joyce’s first choice was always a vanilla milkshake. She also enjoyed her fish and chips. Reading was another passion for Joyce. She loved her murder mysteries with J.D. Robb and Agatha Christie being some of her favourite authors. She loved animals, particularly her beloved cat “Tigger” and Dave’s four-legged companion Jesse.
In June of 2015, Joyce and Dave moved to Chesley. Although they appreciated the community, it was their new house that convinced Joyce. Due to an expropriation that took 4 ½ years, the Dyballs were forced to move and they spent years looking for just the right home… just ask Dave! 🙂 After years of searching the web, and many more home tours across the province, Joyce soon fell in love with a beautiful century home in Chesley. They soon purchased her dream home and relocated to Chesley were she enjoyed all that her new home had to offer.
Sadly, Joyce passed away surrounded by her loving family at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 in her 65th year.
Beloved wife and best friend of David. Loving mother of David Jr. (Krista Wilson) of Toronto and Denise (Barton) Blakely of Angus. Cherished Nana of Kyla and Paige Blakely. Joyce will forever live in the hearts and minds of her brother Edwin Heringa of Alliston as well as her many close friends. She was predeceased by her parents Wolter and Jeanne (Jaspers) Heringa.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Monday, November 20, 2017 from 12 noon until the time of the memorial service celebrating Joyce‘s life at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, Chesley.
Memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #144 (Chesley) or a Legion Branch in your area would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
