Joyce Birchard (Mitchell)
February 20, 1924, Surrey, England - July 23, 2012, Toronto
We can measure a life by what we do or by who we be. Joyce was a being of uncommon good. Her long painful end would be deserved by no one. She endured it with grace and placidity. A veteran (W.R.N.S.) and victim, of war who carried her sadness with dignity, and who never did forget. She was a child of the 20th century who believed that the world that came before was a better one and who trusted that the one that comes after is too.
  Predeceased by husband of 43 years, Norman; and sister, Thelma Hester of Hampshire, UK. Survived by children: Josephine McMahan, Guy and Marsh Birchard; daughters- in-law: Anne Heeney, Nancy Moore; grandchildren: Kit, Imogen.
  Donations in lieu of flowers to Christie Gardens Foundation, 600 Melita Cres. Toronto M6G 3Z4 (christiegardens.org)