February 22, 2024
Josephine 'Joy' Grehan (nee Moroney), beloved wife of Anthony 'Tony' Grehan, died peacefully at Sunrise Care Home in North Vancouver on February 22, 2024.
Joy was the fourth of 13 children, born in Dublin Ireland in 1928. She was proud of her Irish heritage but embraced her new home when she immigrated to Canada with Tony in 1958.
Initially, they settled in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, moving to Victoria briefly in 1964 before settling in Mission, BC for 36 years (1965 -2001), where they raised their family.
In 2001, Joy and Tony relocated to Tsawwassen, BC to be closer to their daughter, Heather, and her family. After Tony's passing in 2012 Joy moved again - this time to North Vancouver where Heather, Paul and Kelly and their families were now settled.
Joy and Tony were married for 55 years. Throughout these years they were determined to make and provide a good life for themselves and their children. They valued hard work and education and were faithful to those and other traditional values that reflected the society and times they grew up in, especially their Catholic faith.
Joy had a strong zest for life. By nature she was outgoing, fun, opinionated and possessed a bold, irreverent sense of humour. Joy loved family gatherings; many of her best times were spent at the family cottage surrounded by her four children and their spouses, and her 10 grandchildren.
As well, Joy enjoyed the company of both her extended family and many friends. She was an avid reader and bridge player.
Joy leaves to cherish her memory one daughter Heather (David) Zerr of North Vancouver and three sons Phillip (Barbara) Grehan of Galiano Island, Paul (Elaine) Grehan of Deep Cove, and Kelly (Cathy) Grehan of North Vancouver: ten beloved grandchildren; Patrick and Anthony, Rachel, Mark, Eric and Clare, Brendan and Liam, and Colleen and Taylor; two sisters, Patricia and Alice; two brothers, Gerry and Fr. Pat as well as dozens of nieces and nephews, extended family and close friends.
Also, remembering those who have gone before us; Joy's loving husband Tony, brothers and sisters, Anto, Tommy, Marie, Seamus, Betty, Michael, Sean, Vincent, Philomena and Danny.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful care managers, nursing staff and others who lovingly and expertly supported and cared for Joy these past 6 years at Sunrise of Lynn Valley.
A private Mass of Christian burial will be held at Evangeline Chapel in the Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery followed by interment alongside her late husband.