Obituary
JOYCE Michael Joseph, May 4th, 2020.
Toronto (formerly Bellaghy)
It’s with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Michael Joyce on May 4th, 2020 at Cummer Lodge Long Term Care Home in Toronto Canada, at the age of 79, after a long journey with dementia. Michael was born May 2, 1941 in Mossbawn near Bellaghy in Northern Ireland, to Mick Joyce and Susan Heaney. He grew up chasing dogs and playing Gaelic Football, attending Magherafelt Tech, and completing his Joiner apprenticeship in Portglenone. He married Mary Diamond from Killyberry and moved to Belfast where his children Paul and Andrea were born. Following a childhood yearning, he moved to Adelaide, South Australia in 1972, where he worked as a carpenter for Alpine Constructions. After 15 years, the family moved to Toronto Canada, where Michael joined the Diamond family business and continued plying his carpentry skills across the city. We will remember Michael for his optimism and gentleness, decency and quiet strength. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary; his daughter Andrea and son Paul; his grandchildren Tristan and Daria; daughter-in-law Natalija, sisters Veronica, Pat, Mary Duffin, Jane Gribbin and Siobhan McDowell, and the Heaney family. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Brendan and younger sister Biddy. Far and wide, across oceans and hemispheres, Michael was loved and his spirit will live on. St. Michael the Archangel pray for him.