It is with very sad hearts that we announce the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, Joyce McLean, who, with her loving family by her side, passed away at Chaleur Regional Hospital on April 20, 2026, at the age of 89.
She will be sadly missed by her husband of 69 years, Harold McLean, her sons, Gordon (Holly), Paul (Lisa), her daughters Linda (Melvin Knowles), Carole (Bruce Colford) and Cynthia (Kirk Wood). Her grandchildren Jesse, Jeremy, Caley, Aaron, Tara, Sarah, Andrew, Cody, her 4 great-grandchildren Oliver, Gus, Olivia and Noah and her sister Garda DeWare.
Besides her parents, Frederick and Florine (Roy) Branch, Joyce was predeceased by her infant daughter, Linda Jean, her brother Walter (Johnny) Branch, her sister Norma Christie and uncle Angus Branch who, with his wife, Grace, raised her after her dear grandmother died.
After graduating from high school, Joyce worked for the Bank of Montreal for a few years. Then she devoted the rest of her life to her family. She was a loving mother who had a special way with words. If you were feeling down or unhappy, she always seemed able to find the exact words to make you feel better and lift your spirits. She also had a real passion for crafting. In her spare time, she tried her hand at such things as quilting, smocking, macrame, ceramics, crocheting and knitting. Her beautiful handmade items will long be treasured by family and strangers alike. For many years she donated handmade socks, quilts and Afghans to the CWL Annual Sale.
A special thank you to the Nurses and Doctors of the Chaleur Regional hospital for the excellent care they provided Mom in her last 2 days and to Extra Mural and to Mallais Home Care girls Kim, Liette, and especially Cindy who was able to make a special connection with Mom through her last weeks and allowed her to remain at home as long as she did.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from Holy Family Church.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Holy Family Church or a memorial of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com).
