It is with great sadness that we announce that on Sunday, September 27th, 2026, Joyce Primmer suddenly and unexpectedly passed away with her husband by her side. No words can express the devastation we feel over this loss.

Joyce was born to Jack and Beth Penner in Kenora, Ontario, on March 8, 1939. She was the eldest of three siblings, with two younger brothers, Fergus and David Penner. She grew up in Kenora and the surrounding Longbow Lake area. She spent many happy summers lifeguarding and teaching swimming at a local beach. She avidly participated in high school musicals and singing. It was at this time she met Harold, her husband of over 60 years. Joyce pursued a career in nursing, graduating from Toronto General Hospital in 1961. She made many lifelong friends and maintained those friendships for over 60 years.

Much of her nursing career was at the Port Arthur General Hospital. Over the years, she held a variety of positions within the hospital. Joyce excelled as a nurse. She was recently recognised by Hospice Northwest Services as one of the four founding members of the community palliative care volunteers, which lay the groundwork for what would become Hospice Northwest.

Joyce and Harold, childhood sweethearts, were married September 16, 1961. They settled in Thunder Bay, where they had three children, Paul, Janet, and Mary-Beth. Alongside her professional life as a nurse, Joyce was an amazing mother. She was actively involved in all her kids’ various endeavours. She tirelessly worked to support each of her children in their interests and development, despite the demands of her professional life. She was a creative, compassionate, and engaged mom and grandmother. She enjoyed sharing her love of reading and conversation with her children and grandchildren.

Joyce was a committed member of Saint Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church. She was a woman of great faith, and she held that close to her heart. She found great joy in learning and deepening her faith through her Bible study group. She was willing to meet and listen to anyone, no matter what season of life they were in. She provided help and guidance where she could, with great sensitivity. She lived her faith through her volunteering efforts with various organizations.

Joyce loved music and was no happier than when singing as a member of the TBSO Chorus. She was an active member for several years. She also regularly attended and enjoyed Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra concerts and events. She deeply understood the power of music and fostered and supported a love of music in her children and grandchildren.

In her retirement, Harold and Joyce were able to enjoy travelling to various destinations around the world. They often enjoyed vacationing with their children and grandchildren. Most recently, she shared a wonderful weekend in Toronto with her granddaughter Kiersten for her 65th Nursing Class Reunion.

Joyce is predeceased by her parents, Jack and Beth Penner, her brother Fergus Penner (survived by Barb), and son-in-law Daniel Ek (survived by Janet Primmer). She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Harold Primmer, brother David Penner (Joan), children Paul, Janet, and Mary-Beth (Daniel Sherwood), and grandchildren David (Morgan), Nicholas (Kallie), Kiersten (Richard), Alex, and Kate. She will also be greatly missed by all her nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church, 675 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON on November 5th, 2026 at 1pm with light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate if donations could be made to St. Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church, Hospice Northwest, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com