Gladys Joy Cowper of Surrey, BC  on October 16, 2023 at the age of 96 passed away peacefully with family by her side.
 
Joy was born on March 13, 1927 to loving parents George and Gladys Gregson. She and brother Ken grew up in Burnaby in the home of a kind woman she called ‘Mother Bevan’ after their mother tragically died. After high school Joy went on to study textiles and design at the University of Washington.  While there,  she met her first husband, Ed. They had five children - David Wolf (Sylvia), Paul Wolf (Cathy), Shelley Laviolette (Dennis), Murray Wolf (Elaine) and Catherine Wolf (Barry) - while living in Calgary beginning in the early 1950’s. Stepson Geoff Cowper (Karen) lived with Joy during high school and they formed a lifelong bond as well. Joy’s 11 grandchildren are Camille, Jenni, Jill, Gabe, Morgan, Josh, Derek, Adrienne, Sam, Ashley and Katie.  Her ‘stepgrandkids’ include Matthew, Daniel and Nicholas.  Joy also has many great grandchildren!

Joy started a new chapter of happy and loving times with husband Norman “Chips” Cowper in 1971.  Favourite expression coming from Chips - “Joy oh Joy, where are you?” They moved in 1978 to North Saanich/Sidney and had eighteen wonderful years together until Chips passed away in 1989.   In 1999 Joy moved to South Surrey and remained there for the rest of her long life, living at her home until 2022.
Joy was a natural as a mother and homemaker.  Her devotion to her family carried on through all of her life.   Joy was accomplished in all she did and she was generous in sharing her knowledge and experience.  Strong, intelligent, sharp witted and refined, Joy also had a wonderful sense of humour and always enjoyed a good laugh.
 
Joy was a creative person with many interests.  She was a ‘master’ quilter who designed her own patterns.  She taught quilting and helped found the Victoria Quilters Guild.  Joy also used her keen eye for colour & design in sewing and knitting, decorating her homes and growing her flower gardens.  She also loved to cultivate a vegetable patch and harvest peaches and apples from her trees, all of which she used in her cooking and baking.  Joy’s pies, from angel to strawberry, are legendary!
 
Joy experienced health problems in her last years.  The family expresses appreciation for the care provided by Marjorie, Lynn and the great staff at Westminster House.
 
Joy was predeceased by her parents, husband Chips, brother Ken and granddaughter Jill.  Joy was loved and respected by many.  It is a great loss we feel, she will always be missed and very fondly remembered.