Joyce Irene Ryder was born February 9, 1927, in Caterham, Surrey, England. Eldest daughter to Albert & Florence Ryder, she helped care for her younger siblings until she left home to start on her own adventures.

One of her first jobs was working in a shoe shop, where she learned the art of shoe mending and repair. When the Second World War started, Joyce answered the patriotic call and became a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), there she assisted in housekeeping for the Army soldiers. Towards the end of the war, she became a member of the Woman’s Land Army, working on various farms.

While in the WAAF, Joyce met Betty Powell. They became the best of friends and supported each other through the rest of their lifetime, sharing both the joys and difficulties that life brought.

In 1968, Joyce, Betty & Josie (Betty’s daughter) moved to Canada and settled in Montreal where Betty had relatives. They adapted well to life in Canada and Joyce found work at the Montreal General Hospital in the housekeeping department. Sadly, a tragic accident took Josie’s life, and the two friends relied on each other for support. A few years later in 1976, Betty married Arthur Bailey, and they, along with Joyce, moved together to Chateauguay, Quebec, to set down roots.

Joyce and Betty were well known for their craft of knitting. They created many sweaters, baby sets, mittens, toques, and scarves, sending many to family members as gifts and selling their wares at local craft shows. Their beautiful work was a treasure to those who received these items and

Joyce continued to knit almost to the end of her stay here on earth.

Over the years wonderful memories were made, with visits to Chateauguay by Joyce’s family. Even more special were the times when Joyce travelled to spend longer periods with family. Joyce’s visits to Beryl & Christine and their families out ‘West’ were appreciated by all, and trips back ‘across the pond’  to England were lovely reconnections with this wonderful woman.

One lovely memory of Joyce was her reliability at writing letters. If a young niece or nephew (or great niece/nephew) wrote a letter to Auntie Joyce, they could GUARANTEE that a few weeks later, they would get a response!! She was a wonderful correspondent, discussing plain everyday things in her letters, helping the youngster feel grown-up and important. She was also very special, because she never forgot their birthdays, and receiving a birthday card in the mail made their day just that much more fun.

By 2006, it was just Joyce and Betty again as Arthur had passed on, and the ladies needed a bit more help with their everyday lives. So, they made the move into a Care Home in Chateauguay. Through this move their friendship held strong, and they continued to share daily visits and comradery until Betty’s death in 2023.

A few short months ago, her family in Saskatchewan were happy to hear that Joyce had finally decided to accept Christine and Beryl’s repeated suggestion to ‘move west’ to be closer to family. Unfortunately, her health did not make that possible in the end. Joyce died peacefully on May 26, 2025, at the age of 98 in Chateauguay, Quebec.

She is survived by her brothers Roger (Sue) Ryder and John (Anita) Ryder and her sisters Pauline (Nick) Davies, Beryl (Gerald) Bates & Christine Samoila.

She was predeceased by her father, Albert Edward Ryder; her mother, Florence Ellen Ryder (Mitchell); and siblings Albert (Jean) Ryder, Arthur Ryder, Barry Ryder & Audrey (Pete) Back.

Interment service will be held August 9th, 2025, at the South Hill Cemetery, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Arrangements in care of Mackenzie Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Mark & Pedro Gyoerick, Mel & Troy Curle, & Jordyn Jacobson. 306 763 8488.

• Date : 2025-08-09
• Location : Prince Albert, SK