Reverend Joyce Elaine Elder, age 82, died peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, music, learning, and devoted service to her community and family. Joyce spent most of her life in London, Ontario, and dedicated much of her life to ministry within the Presbyterian Church in Canada. She served as a student minister in Fingal and Port Stanley, as well as at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Ilderton, where she later became the minister. Her calling eventually led her to Toronto, where she served as minister at Weston Presbyterian Church. Through her ministry, Joyce touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
Joyce was predeceased by her first husband, George Harvey Pickering, and later by her second husband, Reverend John Calvin Elder. She was also predeceased by her beloved sister Joanne, and by her parents, Hilda and Jack.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jacqui and her husband Jeff; her son, Jeffrey and his wife Joanne; her cherished grandchildren Jacob, Katie and her partner Raymond, Jordan, Steven and his wife Miranda, Suzie and her husband Luke, and Sarah and her partner Mike; and her treasured great-grandchildren Calvin, Gabriel, Daymond, Jack and Kyla.
Beyond her ministry, Joyce had a deep passion for music, teaching, and reading. She loved singing in the choir and sharing her gift for piano with those around her. Teaching and lifelong learning were central to who she was, and she found great joy and comfort in books, music, and sharing knowledge with others. These passions were among the many ways she expressed joy, comfort, and connection throughout her life. Joyce will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to faith and family, and the warmth and encouragement she brought to all who knew her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, parishioners, and community.
Visitation and Funeral Service will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1997 Dundas St. E. London on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., with Funeral Service commencing at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.