Obituary of Joyce Emma Shoebottom

 Joyce Emma Shoebottom (née Brockett)

May 23, 1942 – April 13, 2026

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our dear Joyce Emma Shoebottom (née Brockett) of London in her 84th year. She took her Heavenly journey on Monday, April 13, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family, in the comfort of her home. Devoted and loving wife of 60 years and best friend of Robert Shoebottom. Precious and admired Mom of Karen Shoebottom and Lynda (Frits) Wiegersma. Cherished and amazing Grandmother of Quinten and Emma-Lynne Wiegersma. Dear Sister-in-Law of Joan Eggett and loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Adored Sister of the late Gail Gifford and the late Norman Eggett. Joyce will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered, by all of her family and friends. We would like to thank Dr. Teriaky and Barb (MOTP), and Dr. Mujoomdar and their Teams at LHSC for the wonderful care they provided Joyce/Mom/Grandma over the past nine years.

Joyce was a brave, courageous and strong woman, navigating life’s challenges with resilience. She was a woman of faith who enjoyed attending church services at Siloam United Church and being part of the “Back Row Bunch”. Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering love, care, kindness, gentle nature, and sense of humour. She always put a smile on the faces of those around her. While Joyce started her career in Nursing, she embarked on what she considered her most important career when her children were born – motherhood, to which she was amazing! Joyce was actively involved in her daughters’ education, especially during their elementary years at Sir Winston Churchill Public School. She actively served on the Home and School Association, at one point assuming the role of President. Robert was always there to take on any roles delegated to him to help her and the committee get ready for special events. Joyce enjoyed lending a helping hand in various classrooms, not only during these S.W.C years, but also took great pride in volunteering in Lynda’s classroom when she became a teacher. The students and staff adored her. Once she became the very proud Grandmother to Quinten and Emma-Lynne, her focus turned to being passionately involved in their upbringing. Her Grandchildren were one of the greatest joys in her life, with whom she shared a very special bond. When her grandchildren were older, Joyce once again found her way back to helping young children, working at the Kumon Math and Reading Centre alongside Karen for over a decade.

Family was of utmost importance to Joyce. She was the heart of the home. Joyce was happy in her kitchen, especially when she was baking special treats for others. Her Peanut Butter Marshmallow Yummy Squares were always fought over at family gatherings (thanks for hiding some for us!). Her shortbread cookies have never been truly replicated by others following her recipe, as the key ingredient was her love. Her date squares have been deemed G.O.A.T and her gooey butter tarts were delectable! Joyce enjoyed working in her vegetable garden alongside Robert. Joyce also enjoyed tending to her flowers, admiring the beautiful colours and butterflies and birds they attracted. Joyce loved watching and feeding the wildlife in her backyard, going on family adventures, and playing games with family and friends. She gave her family good laughs and kept us on our toes as we played games around the kitchen table. She provided us a great deal of entertainment and was always a good sport. Joyce also had fond memories of the Friday Night Bowling League, Saturday night card games with Robert, Gail and Ken, couples’ games nights with family friends, and her Euchre games with the neighbourhood ladies. Joyce was also a sports fan, delighting in watching the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays ... and we cannot forget her friendly wagers during Superbowl games! Joyce proudly attended the many Music concerts of her grandchildren, and was always ready for a Connect 4 game or Nerf-gun battle with Quinten (watch out for those sneak attacks!) and decorating cookies or scrapbooking with Emma-Lynne (there were so many fancy pages and stickers from which to choose!).

A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 (her birthday) at 5:15 p.m., with a reception to follow, at Siloam United Church (1240 Fanshawe Park Rd E, London, Ontario, N5X 0P6). Special thanks to Rev. Christina Crawford for leading this special service. Much gratitude to the Rose Birrell Women’s Group for hosting the reception. A private family interment has already taken place. With very grateful hearts, we thank Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor for her heartfelt words and love during the Committal Service. A sincere thank-you to Woodland Cemetery Funeral Directors, Justin and Lee Shaun, for their kindness, support and patience. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Joyce are asked to consider the Rose Birrell Women’s Group at Siloam United Church or The Multi-Organ Transplant Program (MOTP) at LHSC.

We miss you beyond words, Joyce/Mom/Grandma! You will always be in our hearts and memories.