In Memory Of

Joy Gertrude Mary Dunn

Feb 21, 1939 - Sep 21, 2024

Service

  There will be a small family ceremony in the spring.

Obituary

“Mama was our greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then our mother is that sweet flower of love”- Stevie Wonder
On September 21 2024, Joy Gertrude Mary Dunn (Blair) left earthside to join the parents she loved so much, Dale and Edna Blair. Joy is survived and cherished by two sons, Jamie (Mindy), grandchildren Campbell and Morgan and Cameron (Gillian), grandchildren Rhys, Gabrielle and Libby.
Joy was born in Rocky Mountain House, the oldest of five siblings. She leaves to mourn, “the best brother” Rocky Blair and sisters, Daleen Cleaver, Terrie Speight. She was predeceased by her sister, Donna Blair.
Joy was encouraged by a fellow Eckville student to go to the Holy Cross School of Nursing in Calgary. She gradated as a nurse in 1962. The definition of nurse is one who looks after, fosters or advises and Joy continued to do this her entire life. Joy was a trailblazer, a role model and showed a bravery ahead of her time when she moved to the Artic in her twenties to become a public health nurse. Joy often worked alone in isolated nursing stations delivering numerous babies and doing the emergency work of doctors. Joy continued her public health work in many rural and Indigenous communities in BC, Saskatchewan and Alberta before retiring at the age of 65.
Joy devoted her life to her family. As a working mom with young kids, she still managed to be home for them every lunch and supper. She fostered a love for the outdoors in her family and was right there to ice fish, skidoo, boat and she even skied a few times. She supported her husband Brian for over 30 years as an RCMP wife, following him on dozens of moves as he established and grew his career. After they separated, as a single grandmother, Joy reduced her hours at work to care for her grandson. She took her grandchildren on their first fishing experience, road trips to Banff, overnight stays and chauffeured them to their athletic meets.
Joy walked through life as a gentle lovely soul. She was a fierce advocate for her family and the greatest compliment you received was if you acted like a “Blair”. Joy was comfortable with her own company and her strength was not in bravado but in her quiet. She was thrifty but so generous, reserved but also warm, and because of her fondness for journaling, her voice will ring strong through the hundreds of notes and scribbles she left. She was constantly learning and loved current events and Canadian politics. It was rare to not see her with some form of the news on. Joy showed a love that soothed and she gave her boys the rare gift of knowing they were adored, unconditionally, every day of their lives. Joy loved the beauty of this earth. She will be forever missed, but we will see her in the rippling wheat fields and every blue bird in the sky.
There will be a small family ceremony in the spring.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Dean:

Darlene,Terrie,and Rocky. I am saddened by the loss of your Sister Joy. Please accept my sincerest condolences

George and Heather Loomer:

Deepest sympathy to all your family at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you in your loss.

Joyce Zirk:

My condolences to all of Joys friends and families. She was a very special lady.

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