Joyce or “Auntie Joyce” immigrated from Georgetown, Guyana in August 1969. At age 92, she is the matriarch of Canada Street.

Joyce founded the neighbourhood’s Canada Day party over 50 years ago and leads over 100 friends and neighbours singing “O Canada” to open the event. She usually performs a song, dances or leads everyone in an aerobic workout for the talent show. Presiding over all the activities of the day, Joyce makes sure that everyone feels welcomed and included, whether a friend or anyone who has wandered through. This example captures only the tiniest fraction of what this vibrant, active, strong, kind, immigrant woman means to people in the neighbourhood and the Hamilton community at large.

Now retired, Joyce served the community at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a Care Attendant for 26 years. She loves her grandchildren一those born to her and those drawn to her一and, loves telling the stories that knot together the fabric of her family and the community. She might break into a song, or show you treasured heirlooms from her colourful life here in Canada. She might also offer you a shot of Sherry. One never knows with Joyce.