It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Joyce Harris announce her peaceful passing on February 16, 2026.

Joyce was born on December 23, 1946, right next door at her grandmother’s home on East Broadway. She was the daughter of Helen Richardson and Wilbur Phillips and a sister to Ruth and Clyde, who predeceased her.

Joyce loved deeply and we will always cherish memories of her kindness, warmth and undying love for her family. Her devotion knew no limits—she would go to the ends of the earth for those she loved and would give anything she had to see them happy.

Though gentle in spirit and soft at heart, she was remarkably resilient—a true fighter. She overcame many challenges throughout her life and fought a long battle with dementia with courage, grace, and grit. Even in her final days, she leaned on her humour, joking and making us laugh until the very end.

Joyce will be forever missed by her three devoted and loving children, Rhonda (Wayne), Wincey (Lorna), and Tracey (Ken). She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Kass, Jonathon, and Abbey, who she loved with all her heart and were the ultimate light of her life.

We’d like to warmly thank Annette and Amy for being such a source of comfort and support in our mom/nan’s life. Your presence brought her peace and joy. Your kindness and the countless ice cream trips will never be forgotten.

Finally, we wish to extend our most sincere gratitude to moms/nans medical team, who worked tirelessly to ensure she was as comfortable, happy and well cared for as possible in her final years. A special thank you Dr. Kelly Wiggins & (Tessa and Ellen), Dr. Jeanie Ferguson, Dr. F. Buhariwalla. A special mention to the staff from the ER and 4D at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care and compassion throughout this difficult time.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Nova Scotia SPCA, the Alzheimer Society or you can simply do something nice for somebody as Joyce would have.

We thank you for your condolences and find comfort in knowing that Mom/Nan can now rest in peace with her beautiful mom and sister who she’s been patiently waiting to see again

Love me tender, love me long

Take me to your heart

For it’s there that I belong

And we’ll never part

Love me tender, love me true

All my dreams fulfilled

For my darling, I love you

And I always will