Joyce Marilyn Brown (Henley). Age 79. Bridgewater. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our much-loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dearest friend to many on May 5th, 2021 in the South Shore Regional Hospital. Born May 15th, 1941 in Chelsea, N.S., she was the eldest daughter of the late Ervin and Roxie (Mailman) Henley.
Joyce was the loving mother of son Jamie (Vicki) and daughter Jodi (Shawn Galbraith). She was proud Nannie to her grandchildren Hunter and Hudson Brown; Emma, Rachel, and Liam Galbraith; sister to Doris Greek; nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and sister Dianne Henley, Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 48 years Jim Brown in 2014.
Joyce spent her childhood years in Chelsea on the family farm and was actively involved in community life. In June 1960, after graduating from Bridgewater Commercial School, she moved to Halifax to begin what would be a 47-year career as a court reporter then as a legal secretary in Halifax and Bridgewater.
In 1966 she married Jim and they returned to Bridgewater in 1968 to start their family. They became very active in community life with involvement in multiple organizations and groups and supporting the growth of their children.
Joyce was a proud mother and grandmother and would travel from one end of the province to the other to watch and participate in the lives and activities of her family.
Joyce was a very kind, honest and loyal friend of many. She had lifelong friendships which she cherished and will be greatly missed. Joyce believed "honesty to be the best policy" and spent many years around her kitchen table having conversations, debates, and supportive and loving moments with her family and friends. Her door was always open for a coffee and a chat. Her motto being "You ask for my opinion; you’ll get an honest answer- take it or leave it!"
In the spring and summer months, you would always find Joyce working in her yard tending to her much-loved gardens and rhododendrons.
In retirement, Joyce developed a true passion for genealogy and spent countless hours researching, organizing and documenting several family histories. In 2014, Joyce published a book about the Henley (Hanley) Family and Life in Chelsea. She was so proud of her work and we will treasure it for generations to come.
Joyce valued simplicity in life, kindness, and respect. She is known for her baking and small tokens of cookies to brighten someone’s day. She left them for almost anyone who crossed her path- just so they knew they were appreciated. She loved a leisurely drive to enjoy the beautiful countryside, and this is how she spent her final days- driving and reminiscing about her life and how blessed she believed she was.
We would like to extend a sincere thanks to Dr. Thibodeau and the staff at SSRH for your support and kindness.
To all who have watched over Mom and have given her support in the past years when challenges arose, we thank you. Her life was fulfilled by all who loved her.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the R.A. Corkum Funeral Home- Wileville.  Service will be held 11:00am July 29, 2022 in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Bridgewater.  A private family interment will be held in Chelsea.   Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to The Rose Fund; The South Shore Hospice Foundation; The Canadian Cancer Society.  On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca