Joy Ellen Denton (nee Fraser)
October 15, 1942- September 21, 2021
Joy (78) passed away peacefully at Wind River Hospice on September 21 with her family by her side. Joy was born in Dawson City in 1942 and moved to Whitehorse at age 2.
Joy worked with the YTG Department of Tourism. She made many lifetime friendships throughout her career and left them with fond and funny memories of her crazy antics.
Logan, Kieran and Shannon were her greatest gift. Her time and love for them was endless. John and Sharon always felt very lucky to have her close by to support raising 3 busy kids.
Joy found a partner to share the goodness that retired life brings, and she and Ron recently celebrated their 15th Wedding Anniversary. The two spent many winters as snowbirds in California enjoying life and making new friends.
Joy took great pride in maintaining her health. Never one to sit still, she attended and loved her CGC fitness classes, hikes and walks with her amazing supportive friends. She would pack as much healthy goodness into any food she cooked - even if it didn't always make sense. Joy's grand plan to live to 100 was cut short by a diagnosis of ALS last September. She met this devastating news head on and was determined to live with this disease as long as possible. Unfortunately she met her match in July when diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, a formidable opponent that even her healthy strong body could not conquer.
Joy is survived by her husband Ron Gunn, daughter Sharon Small (John) and Joy's grandchildren Logan, Kieran and Shannon Small; stepsons Michael Gunn (Beverly) and Jamie Gunn (Brittany); Ron's grandchildren Alex Gunn and Taylor Gunn (Rowan) and little Ayla in Australia; and Joy's brother Buck Fraser.
Joy was predeceased by her son Rick, parents Ardrie and Don Fraser, brother Rob Fraser and sister Marjorie Martin.
We can't express enough thanks to the loving team at Wind River Hospice for embracing us through this very difficult time.
Joy's family also appreciates the time and care given by Dr. Lambert throughout this year and Dr. Kmet during her stay at Wind River.
Joy maintained that she wasn't going to miss any of us once she's gone, so don't be sad for her. She always hated goodbyes.
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Comments (16)
Diane (Bidlake) King on Oct 15, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Joy and I were school friends in Whitehorse and we recently got in touch through Facebook. I was shocked to hear of her passing and send my condolences to all her family. Rest in peace old friend.
Verena Hardtke on Oct 10, 2021 at 2:27 pm
Sharon and family, my condolences to you.
Mary lang on Oct 6, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Joy is a very special friend. She pegged me my first year as a newby standing in line at Whitehorse elementary high. She and her generous family offered me accommodations in town while my parents were up the highway building bridges. We loved carhopping at the golden horn drive in. I was fortunate to have Joy and her family be my mentors. We are BFF. The world will be a lesser place without her. But the nuther world will be entertained by continued antics. Condolences to her family.
Deborha Wren on Oct 1, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Sharon and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Joy's passing. It is a shock to everyone when a vibrant, and loving person passes. I have many fond memories working with your Mom at the 202 Club in the early 70' and over the the years our impromptu catch ups when we would meet around town. My deepest condolences to you all and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Debbie Wren & family
Judy Lynn Laird on Sep 29, 2021 at 7:44 pm
Sharon, Ron & family.
I spent many 9 am gym classes with Joy. We had such fun together and told each other many life stories.
Joy was so loved and I imagine her having much fun with all her people that have gone before her.
Hugs to you all.
Bob and Sylvia Lindahl on Sep 29, 2021 at 2:40 pm
To Ron, Sharon and family. We were sorry to learn of Joys passing. She was a great neighbour to have at our winter home in California. Rest in peace Joy.
Tom and Marie Miller on Sep 28, 2021 at 4:40 pm
We will try very hard not to miss you Joy. RIP
Michele on Sep 28, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Dan and I send our warmest thoughts to Ron and all of the family in this time of losing someone you love.
Elaine and Kris Gustafson on Sep 26, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Sharon and family, we were so saddened to hear of Joy’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with her at Tourism. She was such a caring, fun-loving person. She will truly be missed.
Dixie & John Mazuren on Sep 26, 2021 at 7:18 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
John and Dixie Mazuren
Denise on Sep 26, 2021 at 6:59 pm
The heartfelt thoughts I send to you and I hope it brings comfort
Denise on Sep 26, 2021 at 6:35 pm
To Joys family and friends it is so heart breaking to lose a loved one
Shelly & Marc Lafrance (Joy’s niece) on Sep 26, 2021 at 3:33 pm
It’s a sad day to loose a family member. Along with loosing my mom, Joy’s sister, earlier this year. Both Joy and Marjorie had a goal of living to be 100, but destiny had other plans for them. They can now be together and make up for lost time. They both will be sadly missed, even though they didn’t want to be. Sharon, our thoughts are with you, our deepest condolences.
Allan&Patsy Copperthwaite on Sep 26, 2021 at 9:24 am
We were very sorry to learn of your mothers passing.
With Love & Prayers
Allan&Patsy
Joy's Ontario cousins
joanne langevin on Sep 24, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Ron, Sharon and family. I'm so sorry to hear of Joy's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. It was so nice to reconnect with her in the desert. Your memories will bring you much comfort in the future.
Cindy & Jim Hallowes on Sep 24, 2021 at 4:55 pm
What a beautiful life of Joy. She was inspirational and unforgettable. We won’t miss you Joy, honoring your request, but the memories will be in our hearts forever. Love to you Ron, Sharon, John, Logan, Kieran and Shannon and all the family. Xoxoxoxoxo