Endurance, resilience

Her caring and her wisdom

I'm so sorry for the loss of Joy. I have been thinking of her and Omal lately. Vernis and others who are family, may sweet memories overcome your grief. May there somehow be forgiveness in your hearts. Jan 

a sunny day with Joy and Omal

My deepest condolences to Joy's family. May her memory rest in the hearts of all who loved her. I first got to know Joy in the late 1980's. Both of us were very  excited to win promotions as Employment Equity Consultants. Lead up - at 264 Adelaide St. East, Judge Rosalie Silberman Abella, as a child a refugee,  authored the Royal Commission on Equality in Employment (1984).  MP Flora Mac Donald ensured the federal Employment Equity Act came to be.  The Employment Equity Consulting Service, where Joy and I started, was at 55 St. Clair Ave. East., close to the Toronto District, with a Canada Post on the first floor. Our workplace had no windows, but tasteful wood panelling. Our individual offices with a door (a first!) were for private meetings with human resource managers for banks, universities and other corporations. With over 1,000 positions there was much activity. Our reference  library was  where the Manager convened meetings, where we designed our workshops.  The learning curve was steep. We trained employers to do a comparison by occupation of external Census Data with their organization to figure out the gaps of the designated groups. Based on vacancies from retirements and new positions, employers set goals for hiring and promotion.  As Workplace Equity Officers, Labour Program, Human Resources Development Canada,  our small unit moved to 4900 Yonge St a few years later. We hauled, on wheels, laptops, portable printers and mobile phones. Demonstrating family-friendly practises, we worked at home, coming into the office for meetings. We travelled across Ontario to conduct compliance reviews, consult with employers and deliver workshops. Our authority was the Legislated Employment and Pay Equity  Programs and also the Federal Contractors Program.  Joy, in addition to working as an officer, acted as a Supervisor reporting to the Director, Labour Program. Well I recall catching the train to Windsor with Joy. We worked late into the evening putting the finishing touches on a workshop. The next day, I observed Joy's wisdom and passion. She inspired the labour management committee to set the course towards achieving Employment Equity. Several years later, the proof was in the pudding. It was a pleasure to work with Joy. I miss her very much. She has made a difference in the workplace for Visible Minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities and Women. Any comments, additions to this slice of Joy's life are most welcome. Jan 

My most sincere condolences to Joy's family. I know she loved you all very dearly as she spoke of you often.

I will miss you Joy and our long late evening talks. Your friendship will be missed.🕯🙏

O. B. and others of the Barnwell family circle, may the Christian Hope cheer you up in such a time as this.

Much Love,
Patricia and Paul.

Heaven is a beautiful place because heaven got you! You lived up to your name 'Joy'. You had the heart that cared completely. In my first meeting with you, I could confirm this: you had a smile that brought so much pleasure. You had a love that brought joy beyond measure. You are free now. Please, continue to rest with the Lord!

Dearest Joy,

I deeply appreciate our friendship and adventures together. You have taught me greatly in simply being the radiant light that you are and loving those around you. Your heart and presence will be sincerely missed.

To the beloved family, my love is with you all.

My condolences to the Barnwell family,especially Osborne.  Joy was a kind,loving and compassionate  person. I'll surely miss that  smile.

REST IN PEACE JOY 

She Is Gone By David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

I've been blessed to have met beloved Joy in this lifetime. Many have been blessed to experience her love, care and compassion.

There are special people in our lives who never leave us even after they are gone. Joy will always be cherished, loved and remembered and I know we miss her dearly but will always hold her in our hearts.

Rest in peace and in power dearest Joy.

Joy was my sister in law , but even more importantly she was the best Aunt to my children. Throughout their lives , newborn babies , teenage years , university and successful professionals , Auntie Joy was always there for support . She was always giving - financially , her personal time , moral support , confidence booster ,  family barbecues and on and on .  We love her and will miss her ,.

I hope her family will find some comfort knowing that her goodness continues to impact so many.

Lisa and family, I am so profoundly sorry for you loss. I know how much your auntie meant to you.

And she did so much for so many, so the loss will ripple in all directions.

Joy -  we never had the privilege of knowing you, but the impact you’ve left on everyone you knew is clear.  The first time I saw you was in a photo from your trip to Las Vegas with Lisa and Sia. I remember thinking how special it is that the three of you got to have such a beautiful girls trip together.  We know your light continues to shine even though you’ve left too soon. 

With love,

Alyssa and Daniel Reshef

May the memories shared be cherished and give you strength. My condolences to the entire family. 

Lots of love and strength to the entire family. 

Sending the family my love and prayers. 

Her work was needed in higher places. Such a blessing to have met you Joy. Love and light to your loved ones as I am so sure you will be greatly missed here.

On Wednesday, January 25th, learned that a week ago, Joy Barnwell lost her life last week. It was very unfortunate to learn of this, and the circumstances are not always easy to take in. But I will say that she was a kind and loving human being and she was our fan in the Durham Falcons . She came to our games and cheered us on. Thank you Joy Barnwell for everything that you have done and contributed to not only what you do but also to GDSO Oshawa Baseball. A loving mother... to all of us. And the Falcons' biggest fan. We'll miss you.

I’ll always remember your contagious smile and when you told me many times god  has other plans for me ! 

Joy. You are an inspiration and there’s no doubt that you made the world a better place. It was a true pleasure to have crossed paths with you and I wish you peace on your soul journey. My sincere condolences to the family. God bless all of you in your time of mourning. 

Joy was my cousin,friend and playmate. We grew up in the same village. Their home was our home and our home was their home. There was no difference between the two.She was full of life , vigor, cheerfulness and infectious love. She pay it forward in her adulthood.

There are special people in our lives who never leave us even after they are gone.We do not remember days, we remember moments. 

My heart is with you in your time of sorrow.

Too well loved to ever be forgotten.