Obituary of Mary Lou Joyce

With gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Mary Lou (O’Brien) Joyce announce her passing on April 8^th, 2025. Born in Saint John in 1931, she was the daughter of Leo and Louise (Kean) O’Brien. Louise died in childbirth, and when Mary Lou was 3, Leo married her stepmother, Helen Caughlin. Mary Lou grew up an only child in McAdam where she graduated from McAdam High School. She was also a graduate of the University of New Brunswick in Arts and Education. As a Beaverbrook Scholar, she continued her studies at the University of London, Institution of Education. Her keen intellect and sharp memory remained with her until the end. She could recount stories from her childhood and decades past with exceptional detail.

She enjoyed many happy years of teaching in several schools where she inspired and advocated for many students including Minto Memorial High, Saint John Vocational School, and Millidgeville North School. She also spent several years as a language arts supervisor in one of the regional school districts. A poet in her spare time, over the years Mary Lou’s works were published by The Cormorant and The Purple Wednesday Society. In 2016, some of her works were featured in a poetry collection entitled ‘Mondays on Strawberry Lane’.

Predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) Joyce, they had many wonderful years together. Enthusiastic supporters of the arts community, they attended many events in the city and enjoyed many trips with friends. Together they volunteered for several charities including Meals on Wheels and the Alzheimer’s Society, Romero House, The Salvation Army, and the Irish Canadian Curltural Association. Mary Lou treasured her weekly writing group, and Bill typed her poems. She also enjoyed meeting with the ladies in her Monday morning prayer group. She was a kind and generous person who was a thoughtful caregiver to her father and stepmother and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mary Lou also was very appreciative of all acts of kindness directed toward her.

Along with many friends, Mary Lou is survived by her brother-in-law Harold Joyce, her first cousins Eunie McElwaine and Mary McElwaine-Garey, and many members of the Kean, Murphy, and O’Brien families. A special thank you to Paul Walsh and past and present members of the Walsh family for their care over the years. The family also wishes to thank Drs. Milner-Gero, Wood, and O’Brien for their care and compassion.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). Visitation will take place on Friday, April 11^th from 2-8pm at Brenan’s Funeral home on Paradise Row. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Church on Saturday, April 12^th at 10am. For those who wish, remembrances can be made to the donor’s charity of choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.