Obituary of Joy Eileen Colombo (née Robertson)

Joy was born in Williams Lake, BC, on May 29, 1941, the youngest of 11 children born to Scottish immigrants Alexander and Margaret Robertson.  Joy gained a strong work ethic on a busy ranch at McLeese Lake, and spent her early years in a one room schoolhouse located on ranch property. She later attended high school in Williams Lake while living at the school dormitory.  In 1961, Joy obtained her teaching certificate from the Provincial Normal School, in Victoria. Work took her back to Williams Lake, Chetwynd, and then on to Cranbrook.

Joy and Russ met at an end of school year party in June 1962, and forged a life long relationship that spanned over 60 years.  They were married in September 1964 and lived in Invermere, Castlegar, Port Moody (for 2 years while Russ attended BCIT engineering school) then on to Cranbrook, Sparwood and finally settling in Cranbrook in 1972, along with their two young children, Leanne and Greg.

Joy continued teaching as a substitute for nearly 15 years before having time for a regular Grade 1 teaching assignment that took her to Pinewood, Highlands and Steeples elementary schools, over the next dozen years.  Many of her former students would still come to see her for a hug.

Well known for spreading her love with her baking, Joy would produce enormous batches of bread, decorated cookies for many school events, stollen bread for Christmas, hot cross buns for Easter, and cakes for friends' birthdays. Fall harvest saw the canning of dozens of jars of antipasto, peaches, tomatoes, pickles, jams, pies – the downstairs shelves and freezer were always fully stocked. Joy loved giving these treats to friends and family. 

Joy formed many personal relationships over the years.  She was a 50 year member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.  Joy was a supportive member of the Cranbrook United Church since 1972. Quilting became a favourite hobby in the early 90s, which led to membership in, and for a time president of, the Cranbrook Quilters Guild.  After retiring, Joy took up golf, just for the walking and socializing. On Friday afternoons, Joy would meet with a group of former teaching friends. On top of all this, she enjoyed walking with dear friends on a three mile jaunt around Idlewild Park several days a week, year round, since retiring.

Joy is survived by Russ, Leanne (Don), Greg, sister Audrey Broughton, sister Lorna Currie, brother-in-law Ron (Marilyn), brother-in-law Alan, many cherished nieces and nephews, and their families. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, or the Cranbrook United Church. 

Service Information

A memorial service to celebrate Joy's life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 2 pm with Rev Ibi Chuan officiating at the 

Cranbrook United Church, 

2-12th Ave S, Cranbrook, BC V1C 2R7

A live stream of the service will be available at https://bit.ly/Joy-Colombo