Joy Winnifred Heath was born on March 11, 1946, as the youngest child of Marie and Leonard Rice of Pilley's Island. She was joyfully wed to the love of her life, Ford Heath (of Robert's Arm), on February 27, 1964. In 61 years of marriage, they raised four children and became proud grandparents of seven and great-grandparents of two.

Joy was a Pilley's Island girl at heart, and although her family relocated in her youth to Robert's Arm, Spencer's Dock (Pilley's Island) was always the home of her heart. She would happily tell stories of her childhood spent mummering down the Bight, copying pans, ice skating from Pilley's to Robert's Arm, hosting Salvation Army clergy, or taking train trips with her mother to Corner Brook or St. John's. If she was having a difficult day in her later years, a conversation about Pilley's Island or her brother Woodrow was certain to bring a smile to her face.

Joy and Ford spent the majority of their lives as residents of Robert's Arm. It was there they were married, raised their children, and began and returned from many adventures together. Joy was a faithful member of Word of Life Tabernacle, where she happily served as a Sunday school teacher. Joy also loved serving alongside others in the church and community through women's ministry, Robert's Arm community events, fundraisers, funeral luncheons, and more.

Joy was a perfect name for someone so filled with laughter. She was always ready to share a joke or make someone smile. Her joyfulness wasn't limited to a passing word or joke in a crowded room (or the church foyer); she could often be found with her accordion and a tray of tea buns, spending hours of quality time in the homes of loved ones or visiting seniors' homes and cottages to brighten someone's day.

Joy loved to be busy, and when she finished raising her own children, she wasn't ready to slow down. Instead, she went to work helping others care for theirs. She loved them all dearly and kept them well fed with her famous baked beans and homemade bread.

She continued teaching Sunday school and kneading bread dough until her breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 forced her to slow down and care for herself more than she did for others. She believed she received a miracle when she was eventually declared cancer-free, and even though dementia later robbed her of much of her memory, she could still sing a hymn without hesitation or confusion.

Joy passed peacefully in the presence of family on April 1, 2026, at the age of 80. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ford; her parents, Leonard and Marie Rice; baby brother, Hardy; her sister, Joan Boyde and her brother-in-law; Rex Boyde.

Joy leaves to mourn her son, Bradley Heath; daughters, Roxanne (Garland) Fowlow, Venessa Winsor, and Crystal-Lynn (Ryan) Card; grandchildren, Christopher (Stacey) Fowlow, Candace Fowlow, Samantha Winsor, Lucas Heath, Joel Heath, Benjamin Card, and Alexander Card; as well as her great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Everick Fowlow. She is also remembered and will be deeply missed by her brother, Woodrow (Joan) Rice; cousins who were more like siblings Judy Brake, Vince (Lillian) Rice, Jim (Prudy) Rice; nieces and nephews; along with many other family members and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who visited Joy during her time in Springdale. Your love and care for her when we were not able to be there are very much appreciated. You were a constant light for the family, and we are grateful knowing she had you. In addition, thank you to the staff of Springdale Retirement Centre and Valley Vista Senior Citizens' Home for your kind care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joy's  memory to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador DONATE HERE

The visitation will be held from Green Bay Funeral Home, 145 Cpl. S. Bouzane Blvd., Springdale, NL, on Saturday April 4, 2026 from 2-4PM.

The funeral service will be held from Word of Life Tabernacle, Robert's Arm, NL on Monday April 6, 2026 at 1PM with Pastor Geoffrey England officiating.

Interment will be at the Pentecostal Cemetery, Robert's Arm, NL

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Green Bay Funeral Home, 145 Cpl. S. Bouzane Blvd., Springdale, NL.