Joyce Grewar

Dr. Margaret Joyce Grewar lived a remarkable life devoted to family, medicine, music, and community.

Born in Swansea, Wales, Joyce was raised in London, England. She studied medicine at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she met fellow medical student David Grewar. The two married and began a partnership that would span their family life, medical careers, and many years of service to the Winnipeg community.

Joyce practised medicine in London before immigrating to Canada in 1955 with her three young daughters to join David in Winnipeg. Their family eventually grew to include eight children—Susan, Fiona, Katrina, Colin, Neil, Bruce, Rory, and Peter.

For the next 20 years, Joyce devoted herself primarily to creating a loving, secure, and supportive home for her family. As an only child, she was determined that her own children would always experience the companionship and strength of a large family. Her greatest happiness was found when everyone gathered for Sunday dinner or late-night tea, filling the home with laughter, singing, and spirited conversation.

At the age of 54, Joyce returned to medicine and began working in psychiatry at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. She continued serving patients until retiring in 1994 at the age of 73.

Music was another of Joyce’s great passions. Blessed with a gentle singing voice, she participated in several church choirs and enthusiastically supported Winnipeg’s musical, theatrical, and dance communities. She served with the Women’s Committee of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and particularly enjoyed summer evenings at Rainbow Stage.

Although Welsh by birth, Joyce developed a profound affection for Scotland and its culture. For many years, she was a tireless volunteer and familiar presence at Folklorama’s Pavilion of Scotland. She was also a loyal member of the Caledonian Women’s Club.

Joyce’s beloved May Cottage at Lac du Bonnet was the setting for many of her family’s happiest memories. Lovingly maintained for more than 50 years, it became a place where traditions were created, relationships strengthened, and generations of her family gathered together.

Joyce passed away peacefully on June 23, 2007, surrounded by the legacy of love and family she had spent a lifetime building.