It is with profound sadness that the family of Joyce Maxine Wood announce her passing on April 1, 2017 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Joyce was born on January 27, 1938 a daughter of the late Orville and Elsie (McMann) Chapman.
Survived by her wonderful husband and ultimate caregiver of 58 years, Donald Wood; two adoring sons Chris (Colleen) Wood of Kamloops, BC, and Scott (Ruth) Wood of Fredericton; her loving daughter Heather (Timothy) Liddle of Hanwell; her five grandchildren Ryne (Emily) Wood, Erin Wood, Amy (Zack) Otteson, Ella and Parker Liddle; as well as her great granddaughter Luna Wood; her two brothers Merlin (Brenda) Chapman and Malcolm (Frances) Chapman; and other family members.
The most important components of her life were her faith, wonderful family, church family and friends. Family was very important to her and her love for each one was boundless. She always looked forward to visits from her children and their spouses, and her precious grandchildren, as well as other family members.
She gave her heart to the Lord at the age of sixteen. Her walk with the Lord and her faith was very important to her. She was a great prayer warrior, she loved people, and tried to help those who were sick or in need because over the years many people brought joy to her home when she was recovering from surgeries.
She could not have made it through her many ups and downs without the Lord and His help. God was so faithful, and she thanked Him every day, that through it all He spared her life so that she could care for her children when they were young. During the storms of life (eight major surgeries) and over the years, through dealing with rheumatoid arthritis for some forty-five years, He was there to help her through the difficult times. Each time she was wheeled into the operating room, God gave her such a peace that she knew that if God called her home she was ready to leave this world and be with Him.
She loved the song "Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace, Sent down from the Saviour above". Joyce was so thankful for that peace, she hopes that each person has the same sweet peace and has given their heart to the Lord.
She was a member of the Wesleyan Church for many years. She also attended the New Maryland Bible Study group for several years. When her children were small, she remained at home, but once they were in school, spent several years working at Mutual Life Insurance offices in Fredericton and Moncton, then Sansom Equipment for ten years and then onto Fredericton Meals on Wheels as Executive Director for twenty-one years retiring in 2000. For the last four or five years, she has occasionally volunteered with Stepping Stone Seniors Center.
Visitation will be held at the Journey Wesleyan Church on Tuesday April 4, 2017 from 2 – 4 PM and 7 – 9 PM. A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at the church on Wednesday April 5, 2017 at 2 PM with Rev. Matt Maxwell assisted by her son Rev. Scott Wood giving the message. Interment will be held at a later date.
For those wishing to make a donation in Joyce’s memory, the Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries PO Box 3681, 35 Hughes Street, Fredericton, NB E3A 5L7 or Journey Wesleyan Church have been requested by the family.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bishop’s Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton (458-1885) Condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed online through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com