Passed away peacefully in her sleep, in Mississauga, on January 1, 2022.

Loving wife of Edward H. (Ted) Gittings, in their 70th year of marriage. Predeceased by her dear son Greg (2013) and brothers Robert (2015) and Allan (1993). Survived by her husband Ted, her children Linda (Mel Parrott 2021) of Prescott, Janice (Phil Lewin) of Glen Williams, David (Susan) of Oakville, Sandra (Bob Keane) of Mississauga, sister-in-law Judy Gittings of St Catharines and best friend and sister Ilene Clayton of Alliston. Joyce embraced eleven grand-children and eight great-grand-children. Grandma Joyce will always hold a special and dear spot in their hearts.

Joyce was born in Central Butte Saskatchewan on September 11, 1927 and lived on her family's wheat farm near Outlook where she developed her love of open spaces, plants and animals. The Kettlehut family moved east to St Catharines in 1941 where Joyce met the love of her life, Ted, at St Catharines Collegiate.

They married in September 1952 and bought their first home in Port Credit, where they were active members of Christ First Port Credit (formerly First United). In 1955 they moved to Beaconsfield Quebec and in 1960 back to Mississauga (Applewood Heights and Clarkson).

Not wanting to be a golf widow, Joyce learned the game and spent many happy years in the open spaces she loved, always stopping to look at an interesting plant or creature. She became quite an accomplished golfer, once winning the ladies cup at her home course, the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club.

Joyce and Ted kept busy raising their five children and actively advocating for their youngest, Greg, who had Cerebral Palsy. She was an active supporter of the Canadian Women's Opera Committee, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, the March of Dimes, Bloorview Children's Hospital, the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association, and the Gregory Gittings Better Living Fund.

Joyce and Ted took time out for themselves with twice yearly trips all over the world. Favourites were Mexico and a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with their Christ First Clarkson (formerly Christ Church) friends. They made sure Greg got to travel as well, taking him on countless trips across Canada and the United States. Their home was a hub of activity and Joyce loved her role as gracious hostess.

After suffering a stroke in 2008, diabetes and dementia followed. Thankfully, Joyce never lost her joy in the little pleasures of life ~ a well set table, a fun lipstick, or a good conversation about current events. She continued to recognize all of us, which is a blessing.

Ted has lost his love of over seventy years. We are thankful that we were able to keep them living together until her passing.

If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Gregory Gittings Better Living Fund or Christ First The United Church of Canada.

Due to COVID, a memorial for Joyce will be held in the warmer weather.