Obituary of Joyce Arlene MacKay (née Gaudaur)

On Monday, April 22, 2024, Joyce had a gentle passing as she peacefully slipped away in her sleep, two days before her 97th birthday. As a grandmother, she was very motherly and will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Shawn Price of Orillia, Shannon Price, Terri Howse, Michael Howse and Raymond Yates. Special GG of Kai, Isla, Kian, Killian, Gunner, Nikki, Heaven, Preston, Bailey, Lydia, and Harper. Joyce will be lovingly remembered by the Gaudaur family. She has been reunited with her sons, Brian Price and Keith Price.

Born and raised in Toronto, she was the beloved daughter of Ida and Jacob Austin, growing up in a busy household of eight siblings. Joyce was energetic and active from a young age; she had a passion for baseball and running. Joyce's love for music and dance was a talent she shared joyfully throughout her life. From serenading WWII servicemen with her melodic voice as a young woman, to winning the nursing home Oscar as “Extendicare’s Dancing Queen,” her vibrant spirit shone through her grand personality with elegance. Professionally, Joyce retired from working with the Government of Canada. She was always impeccably dressed and put together. She was a natural teacher; she imparted wisdom and skills to her family and will be notably remembered for her baking and for creating the world’s best butter tarts. Joyce cherished moments with her family. She enjoyed little getaways at a cottage, soaking up the sun and achieving a great tan, drinking her Tim Hortons coffee and scratching her lottery tickets. Joyce had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for her quick wit and funny one-liners, such as her appropriate and playful quip: “Let’s play like Bobby Orr and get the puck out of here!"

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses at Extendicare for their compassion and care through the past 2 years. In accordance with Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Joyce may be given to the Lincoln County Humane Society. Online condolences may be shared on Joyce’s tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.