Joy LANG

LANG, Joy (Gioiella Geraldine Giraldi): February 14, 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mom, G'ma J, Joy, champion of underdogs, as well as actual dogs and other animals, everywhere. Lifelong learner, political activist, and keen appreciator of life: good food, good stories, culture and language(s). Despite a long slow physical decline her mind remained sharp until the end. Joy could sit down on a bench in any city and would soon be found deep in conversation with perfect strangers as her abiding empathy and curiosity were insatiable and irresistible to young and old alike. Lucky were the children in her primary classroom whom she remembered by name and character decades later. She was always very proud of her Italian and Finnish heritage, as well as having been born in the small coastal town of Alert Bay in traditional Kwakwaka'wakw territory, a consideration that certainly influenced her worldview. She never forgot the indignities and hardships imposed on her little family when wartime dictates forced them to move inland to start over once again. Thus was born her compassion for those who are buffeted by circumstances beyond their control. Joy's passions were many, her regrets few. We should all be so lucky. She will be missed by her children Sherry (Greg), Dave (Lisa), and grandchildren Chrystal (Ilya), Alexia, Sage, as well as her many friends. A gathering in her memory will be held at a later time. Anyone wishing to "make a difference" in memory of Joy, please consider a donation to any of these: Critter Aid:info@critteraid.org SPCA, South Okanagan: spca.bc.ca The Council of Canadians: canadians.org Nature Conservancy Canada: natureconservancy.ca Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com