Joyce Eileen Saulnier

It is with heavy hearts and much love that we mourn the passing of a vital part of our family, our beloved Joyce Eileen Saulnier. Born in Halifax, NS, Joyce was the cherished daughter of the late Nettie Eileen Leichnitz. Joyce passed peacefully in her sleep in Ottawa, ON, on the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, at the age of 79, after a battle with cancer. She handled this battle and her last days the way she handled her life — with grace, strength, kindness, empathy, devoted faith, and, of course, her unwavering humour and wit.

Joyce will always be remembered for the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends. She was a rare and extraordinary soul—a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend and loved one. Joyce would go to any length to help those she cared about, never asking for anything in return. Her selflessness, compassion, and steadfast support touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her laughter and radiant smile will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. Joyce’s love for music and dancing brought joy to every moment — once she heard a beat she liked, she could not stop moving. Her joyful, dancing spirit will continue to live on in each of us. She was, and always will be, our Dancing Queen.

Joyce will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be forever loved, missed, and cherished by her husband, Mike Saulnier; her children, Jennifer and Joanne; her grandchildren, Lissa, Sheri, Adam, Kristee, Buddy, April, and Emma; her seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Bernice; her life-long friends, Debbie, Carolanne, and Julie; and many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by — and is now reunited in eternal rest with — her grandparents, Melrose and Clarence Giles, and Anna and Emile Leichnitz; her mother, Nettie Eileen Leichnitz; her siblings, Barbara Ann and Pastor Arthur Edward; and her beloved daughter, Jacqueline Claire Thomson.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, 270 Crichton Street, Ottawa, ON. The visitation will begin at 2:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 3:00pm, and concluding with a reception at 4:00pm.

An interment will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 3:00pm at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON. Guests are invited to bring a single stemmed flower or a letter as a personal tribute to leave with Joyce, in a final gesture of love and remembrance.

If you feel moved to support the family with funeral expenses, your generosity would be deeply appreciated. Contributions may be made through the family’s GoFundMe or offered directly to the family in a way that feels most meaningful to you.

Memorial donations in Joyce’s name may be made to Hospice Care Ottawa— Maison de L’Est at 380 Leboutillier Avenue, Ottawa, ON. Their compassionate care provided peace, comfort, and support to Joyce and her family in her final days.