GUEST, Joyce Marie- 87 passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Oceanview Continuing Care Dartmouth on January 24, 2026. She was born at the Carlton Corner Cottage Hospital in Bridgetown, Annapolis Co and raised in Hampton, N.S.

She was the daughter of the late, J. Harold McAndrews paternal father; stepfather, Lester F. McCarthy; and mother, Helen S. McCarthy.

After being educated in the Bridgetown school system, Joyce attended the Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro, N.S. Joyce then moved to Dartmouth where she resided in the same home for 60 years while raising her two sons, Kevin and Jeffrey. Following her education, Joyce taught many elementary students in the HRM school system. She also enjoyed 28 years of retirement after her teaching career.

Joyce was an avid traveller taking several trips with her spouse Leslie Billard, with whom she shared 43 wonderful years. Joyce was a very loving, friendly, intelligent, strong and independent person that could accomplish anything she set her mind to.

Joyce was a member of the Woodlawn United Church. She also volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Joyce was exceptional at arts and crafts, especially tole painting, rug hooking, knitting and crocheting.

Joyce is survived by, her former husband, Wilfred Guest of Moncton N.B; and their sons, Kevin L Guest (Lisa); Head of Chezzetcook, and Jeffrey D Guest (Heather); Dartmouth.

Joyce’s present husband, Leslie G Billard of 43 years; and his children, Cathy Billard, Tina Haye (Dave) and Scott Billard (Amanda); all of Dartmouth, N.S.; sisters, Catherine A. Rafuse (Phillip); Mississauga Ontario, Jeanette L Powell (Richard); Dartmouth, N.S; brothers, Richard McCarthy (Christine); Halifax, Stephen McCarthy (Marlene); Bridgewater. She is also survived by several grand children, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service and A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Feb 7, 2026 in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main Street, Dartmouth, N.S. with reception to follow. Internment will be at a later date.

The family would like to thank Oceanview Continuing Care staff for the excellent care during her short stay, making Joyce very comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s society of Nova Scotia.