Joy Ficko

Ficko, Joy

January 11, 1950 – April 28, 2020

It is with the deepest sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Joy Ficko on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Joy was born on January 11, 1950 at West End Farm, Chewton Mendip, Bath, England and moved to Canada in 1975. Here, she became the beloved wife of Arthur Ficko, who was her sun and her moon and her stars. Together they raised 5 beautiful children who have all married and are raising their 12 grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Art, her children Vladimir (Tierra Baker), Steven (Terri-Lyn), Sarah (Stuart Bell), Bradley (Zita) and Rachel (Vu Le), and her grandchildren Josie, Lucille, Jamie, Ziva, Kelvin, Axle, Kenneth, Emma, Christopher, Tessa,  Taren and Arden. She will also be greatly missed by her sisters Jenny Playfair, Rita Osborne, and Marie Graham, sister-in-law Shirley Munro, and aunt Margaret Van Allen. She has joined her parents George and Josephine Golledge, and the loved ones that went before her.

Joy lived a wonderful life full of joy and laughter, dogs and flowers, and children. She was a stay-at-home mum, and considered this her most important role, almost her exclusive responsibility. In her retired years, her life revolved around her family, her gardens, and her guide dogs. She loved watching and reading to her grandchildren, and also cooking, especially tourtieres, sausage rolls, and mac n' cheese, for any family that might stop by or to send home. She spent many happy hours tending her gardens and beautiful flowers, creating a colourful display that brought joy to the whole neighbourhood. Over the years she helped raise and care for numerous guide dog puppies, breeding dogs and boarders. Her generosity of spirit and kindness is her legacy to us all. Her heart, like her fridge, was overflowing but always had room for more.

Our tears and our sorrow may never end but her love for us and her joy for life will be with us always. She was a brave soul who fought valiantly in the face of Parkinson's Disease. Her time with us was limited and unfairly too short. We are overwhelmed with sadness but thankful that she has found peace.

We welcome our family and friends to celebrate their love for Joy from home at this time and will plan to host a memorial service in the future. We know you are with us in spirit and appreciate all of those that assisted us in our hours of need. For now, you are invited to share in the creation of the memorial site by adding a condolence and any remembrances, photos, and video clips appropriate to the life of Joy Ficko. A private family burial will be held at Rideauvale Cemetery. Go to the following link www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com and start sharing your valued memories. Please feel free to forward this notice to family and friends, for their information and contributions.

If you wish, please make a donation to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind on her behalf. This kind and giving woman would be honoured.