Joyce Katherine McCombe-Flemming (née Lawrence)

Joyce Katherine McCombe-Flemming was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, musician, dancer, businesswoman, and community leader whose enthusiasm and love of Scottish culture touched countless lives.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Joyce spent her early childhood there before moving with her family to Winnipeg. She attended Gordon Bell School, where her vivacious personality was already evident. She was chosen as Freshie Queen and served as vice-president, displaying the outgoing spirit and natural leadership that would remain with her throughout her life.

While raising her young family in Regina, Joyce also worked as a model at CKCK Television. She later returned to Winnipeg, where she became involved in an extraordinary range of cultural, educational, musical, and community organizations.

Joyce was deeply proud of her Scottish heritage. She served as president of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, sat on the board of the Manitoba Highland Dancers Association, and was Ladies President of the Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band. She also volunteered with Folklorama and the Pavilion of Scotland, helping promote Scottish music, dance, and culture within Winnipeg’s multicultural community.

As a member of the Bunch of Grapes, Joyce performed for many years at Folklorama’s Mug Pub British Pavilion. Her lifelong love of music also led her to sing with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and the choir of St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church.

Joyce served as president of the Women’s Canadian Club and belonged to the Beta Phi sorority. She also sat on the board of the University of Winnipeg’s adult education program, reflecting her enduring curiosity and belief in lifelong learning.

For many years, Joyce owned and operated Glengarry Scottish Imports. Through the business, she helped provide clothing, music, gifts, and cultural items that supported Winnipeg’s Scottish dancers, pipers, families, and organizations.

Music and dance played a central role in Joyce’s life and first brought her and George together. She possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music and filled her home with song. Her love of bagpipes and Highland dance became a family tradition, inspiring five pipers and two dancers among her children and grandchildren.

Above all, Joyce treasured her family. She was immensely proud of her children, Garth, Robyn, Barton, and Pamela, and her grandchildren, James, Ian, Jessica, Jennifer, Christopher, Graeme, and Lauren. Family gatherings were joyful occasions filled with music, dancing, food, laughter, and lively conversation.

Joyce passed away peacefully on July 5, 2010, at the age of 77, with her family by her side.