Obituary of Joyce Pauline Keeping

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Joyce Pauline Keeping(Drake), who passed away peacefully on May 18, 2023 at the QE2 /Infirmary hospital. Mom married the love of her life, the late Skip Keeping, and together they had 5 children, Gail (Leonard) Gary (Lorna) Tara (Ralph) Paul (Karen) and Glenn. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joyce was predeceased by her parents Mary and John Drake, brothers Den, Ken, Don, Bruce and Ross and sisters Marg and Helen. If you knew mom, you know she lived life to the fullest. She was a vibrant character who touched the lives of all who met her and has left many cherished memories in all our hearts. Mom’s quick tongue and sense of humour were recognized by family, friends, co-workers, restaurant staff and most recently the hospital staff - to whom we are incredibly grateful for the compassion and care they provided during her last days. Mom had many passions, music and dancing were at the top of the list. We fondly remember her and dad jiving in the living room as well as the disco dancing lessons we all took with them. So much fun was had at many of the parties where there was always a selection of instruments to play that ranged from the spoons to harmonicas and accordions. If they weren’t spending time in the Pig N Whistle playing cards or darts, they could be found camping at Clam Harbour and digging clams.Their time was filled with family, friends, love and laughter. In her day, she enjoyed a good walk and often walked to work at Stewart McKelvie Stirling Scales where she was a Switchboard Operator. When not walking (or cooking) she would be on her exercise bike staying fit. To say that mom was an amazing cook doesn’t nearly describe her kitchen talents. Her Italian spaghetti, cabbage rolls and homemade pizza were legendary and drew many weekend visitors. She also had a green thumb which she inherited from her father and always had something growing. The sunroom on Dublin Street was a forest of tomatoes. As an avid reader she had several favorite books, The Secret, The Golden Rule and The Celestine Prophecy were must reads which she felt could help us all live a little more positively day to day. As per Mom’s wishes, there will not be visitation or a service. Instead, we hope you’ll sit for a minute, put on some Charley Pride or Seaside FM and raise a glass (if you knew mom that’s what she’d want) and laugh about a special moment you shared. Until We Meet Again.