Joyce Colpitts

The family of Joyce Beatrice Colpitts of Riverview, and formerly of Colpitts Settlement, is sad to announce her passing on June 6, 2022, at the age of 85. Born on October 15, 1936, in Parkindale, NB, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Gertrude (Colpitts) Beaman.

Mom graduated from New Brunswick Teacher’s College in 1956 and taught in both Port Elgin and Salisbury. She left the teaching profession in 1964 to devote her full time and attention to raising and guiding her growing family. Along with Dad, she provided a solid foundation, practical wisdom, promoted inner strength and guidance to all her family.

She was the backbone, the rock, and the matriarch of our family. A devoted and proud wife, mother, "grammie" and the loudest cheerleader in the stands. She was a strong, yet sweet lady with a wonderful sense of humor that touched so many hearts, in all the right ways.

She had many hobbies and past times that brought her so much joy. Mom and Dad loved nothing better than to host a house full of friends and family. Mom was an amazing baker, and you never left her house with an empty stomach. When she wasn’t spending time at her beloved sugar woods, she’d likely be traveling with Dad to watch their children and grandchildren play sports. She loved playing cards, crosswords, cryptoquotes, jumbles, puzzles, and board games while dog sitting her beloved grand-puppies.  She was a strong supporter of advanced education, a promotor of work-life balance and recognized the importance both played in her family’s physical and mental well-being.

Through the years, Mom was an active member of the Colpitts United Church, Colpitts UCW, New Brunswick Women’s Institute, Salisbury Home and School Association, Albert County Progressive Conservative Party, and was an avid bowler. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing many sports including basketball, softball, and hockey and became a huge fan of everything Toronto – Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors.

Joyce and her late husband Howe, together for 60 years, raised their family of six children: Allan (Lucille) of Colpitts Settlement, Mark (Kim) of Fredericton, Jill Todoschuk (Tom) of Toronto, Jane Crispo (Rob) of Ottawa, Drew of Fredericton, and Jodi (Mike) of Riverview.  Mom was extremely proud of her grandchildren: Brittany, Danielle and Ben (Shayna) Colpitts, Dayle, Ryan, Alyson and Lauryn Colpitts, Sarah and Rebecca Todoschuk, Erin and Ryan McGrogan, Luke (Caroline) and Mark Crispo, Matt and Kate Jenkins.  She leaves behind her brother Doug Beaman (Dawn), sister-in-law Isabel Constantine, brother-in-laws David Colpitts (Ardith) and Allan Jones (Sandra), as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom will sadly miss her loving smile and great love of family.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her husband Howe in 2020, brother Dale Beaman, sister Joan Carr, brothers-in-law Stirling Constantine, Dale Colpitts, Vincent Carr, sisters-in-law Joan Colpitts and Donna Jones.

Mom loved life and was up for anything! She was always the last to bed and the first one to "hit the road". Joyce’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to her caregivers Jelenie, Rachel and Teija for their kindness and compassion to Mom over the years.

Her graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 3pm, at the Colpitts Settlement Cemetery, Colpitts Settlement, NB.

If desired, donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Colpitts Settlement Cemetery or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Route 106, Salisbury West, NB. (372-4800). Online condolences and donations may be made at www.keirsteads.ca