Obituary of Joyce Elizabeth Ray (Nee Bowes) M.Ed., B.A., B.Ed.

Joyce Elizabeth Ray passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, with her family by her side.

Predeceased by her loving and ever-dedicated husband, Michael Charles Ray (October 7, 2021). Survived and lovingly remembered by her son Stuart Lynne (Donna Alarie) of Port Moody, BC; Daughters Lea Ray (Tim Salayka) of Richmond Hill; and Stacey Ray of Windsor. Cherished Grandmother and Nana to Katie Lynne and Ryan Lynne (Tatiana Pejkovic) of BC; Jimmy Seguin, Reid Seguin and Cole Seguin of Windsor; Dr. Carmen Salayka and Dane Salayka, both of Richmond Hill. She is also fondly remembered by Jim Seguin, former son-in-law and father of Jimmy, Reid and Cole, with whom she shared a lasting affection.

Joyce is predeceased by her parents, Leslie and Alice Bowes of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, her brother Keith Bowes (Diane), and sister Muriel Hewins (Ted), all of Portage la Prairie. She leaves behind a vast extended Western prairie family and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A lifelong educator, Joyce began teaching in the Nora Public School District in Manitoba in 1950. Her career began teaching grades Kindergarten to grade 8 in a one-room schoolhouse! She earned her teaching certificate from the Department of Education in 1963, a Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University in 1965, and a Master of Education from Marygrove College in 1973. She taught in Windsor at Patterson Collegiate, Centennial Secondary School, and eventually retired from Vincent Massey Secondary School in 1995 after many happy years.

Over the decades, Joyce taught and inspired thousands of students—many of whom would later greet her with warm smiles and heartfelt thanks for the lasting impact she had on their lives. Her former students often spoke of her wisdom, patience, and unwavering belief in their potential.

After retirement, she became a Master Gardener and continued to live with purpose and joy. She loved bridge, travel, curling (including an unforgettable 8-ender at Roseland Curling Club!), and spending time gardening outdoors. Joyce often spoke fondly of her upbringing on the prairie farm, where she first learned the value of simplicity, resilience, and the beauty of open skies. However, her most cherished role was that of Nana.

Mom could run a fierce election campaign, but also had the kindness to celebrate everyone’s smallest wins—often dropping off a note of encouragement, a “thinking of you” card, or kind words at just the right time. She taught us to honour others’ victories more than our own, to understand that words matter, and that there is no such thing as too much kindness.

Joyce will be remembered for her grace, intellect, and the strength with which she lived. Her legacy continues in the generations she guided—both in and out of the classroom.

She believed deeply in the importance of education and the quiet influence of everyday love, living her life inspired by the quote:

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

Mission accomplished.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Village of Aspen Lake for their compassionate care.

In accordance with her wishes, a private family service will take place at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (South Chapel), with interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Flowers (which Joyce adored) or donations to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor or the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society are deeply appreciated.