Obituary of Joyce Heighton

It is with profound sadness that we, the family of the late Mary “Joyce” Heighton, age 80, of Stellarton, Nova Scotia announce her passing on February 25th, 2024 at Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou. Born in New Glasgow, N.S. on May 1, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Basil and Mary (McCarron) McCormick, and the eldest of 67 grandchildren to the late Jack and Alice McCarron of North Grant, N.S. Joyce was a dedicated teacher and began her career of 34 years in a one room schoolhouse and later retiring from New Glasgow Junior High School. Following her retirement, she went on to teach with PiCCoLA Adult Learners for several years, highlighting her lifelong passion for education. She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church where she served on the Parish Council and was a member and President of the CWL. Joyce was a devoted mother who enjoyed spending time with her daughters and opened her home to many of their friends. In later years, she spent countless hours working in her gardens and around her yard. She loved to read and travelling with Freddie to visit their children and grandchildren, from BC to Louisiana. Her 10 grandchildren brought her great joy. She is survived by her husband Fred, Stellarton; daughters Shauna Heighton (Andrew Parsons), Kings Head; Kristie (Tom) Rossowski, Louisiana; Annika (Jason) Dean, Stellarton; Mandy (Craig) Isaacs, Vancouver; grandchildren Ella and Severn Parsons; Helena, Louisa, Julius, Magdalena and Thomas Rossowski; Ethan and Delaney Dean; Freddie Isaacs; and brother Owen McCormick (Carla Dartt), New Glasgow. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, brothers Shaun and Leonard; sisters Barbara McCormick and Alice McDavid. Funeral mass will be held at 2pm on Friday March 1st, 2024 in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church. A reception will follow the service in the Sister Catherine Steele Centre. Burial will take place at a later date in our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. A special thank you to the staff at Shiretown Nursing Home who provided exceptional care over these past few months. Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia www.angusfuneralhomes.com