Joyce Duncan Code

Joyce Code (nee McDougall) passed away peacefully in Ottawa at the age of 94 on June 4, 2025. Predeceased by her parents John Melville McDougall, Catherine Edith Cameron and siblings Jean, Helen, Sheila and Jack. She was a dedicated and adored wife to David (deceased, 2015), beloved mother to Heather Code-Burrell (Brian Burrell), Bev Friesen (Dale), Catherine Code (Jeff McKay) and Colin Code. She was also a proud grandmother to Caitlin, Alison (Pedro), Callum, Jeffrey (Natalie), Gillian (Afzal), Erica (Luka), Winnie, Alexander, William, Andrew and Juniper and great grandmother to Layla, Sierra, Maya, Taron and Mateo. In addition to her immediate family, Joyce will be missed by her sister Donna McDougall, sister-in-law Melody McDougall and her many McDougall and Code nieces and nephews.

Joyce grew up in Perth Ontario, attending Perth Collegiate Institute, with her high school sweetheart, Dave. Keen for further education, she moved to Kingston for nursing training at Kingston General Hospital, graduating in 1952. Wanting to put her nursing skills to good use, she then moved to Toronto with friends to join TransCanada Airlines (TCA) to become a stewardess. From her base in the High Park neighbourhood of Toronto, she worked routes to Boston, Moncton and Gander. One of her many memorable stories from her flying days included experiencing Hurricane Hazel in Toronto. Encouraged by David to rejoin him in Perth, she left TCA to nurse briefly at the Great War Memorial Hospital in Perth and then at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa. Other than an enjoyable diversion to Winnipeg for 3 years, Joyce and David raised their family in Ottawa, summering at their cherished Code cottage at Otty Lake, near Perth.

Joyce had many talents and social activities, including playing piano, knitting, curling at the Ottawa Granite Club and playing bridge. She and Dave also enjoyed Scottish country dancing and cross-country skiing in the Gatineau Park with friends.

Joyce’s most valued role was as faithful companion, navigator and attentive conversationalist / listener to Dave and all who knew her well. They camped across Canada on several family trips. In retirement, Joyce and Dave traveled to the UK, Europe and the Baltic. Ever willing to be convinced to explore new horizons, Joyce took up teaching English as a Second Language in Brno, Czech Republic, for a term.

She continued her care giving by returning to nursing part-time, volunteering for many years at the Civic Hospital and Queensway Carleton cancer clinics, which brought her a tremendous sense of purpose.

Thank you to Dr. Bruce Cohen, Natalie, Luciana and all the wonderful staff and caregivers at Carlingwood Retirement Residence, for their continued and compassionate care. If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. A reception will be held on Friday June 27, 2025, 3pm - 5 pm, at Keg Manor, 529 Richmond Road Ottawa.