Joy’s Story 
Life began for Joy on the 4th February 1939 in Uppingham. She was the eldest child of Charles & Emily Dale & grew up alongside her brothers John & Jeff. Her school days were spent in Uppingham and the family were very much a part of the local community as her Dad had a radio & bicycle business & her Mum had a café’, renowned for very good fish & chips. Joy often had to help out in her Mother’s shop. 
As a young girl Joy had a fine head of beautiful long blonde hair, which she decided to have cut off without her Father’s knowledge and much to his displeasure. She was a regular churchgoer around this time & sang with the church choir as well. She was also a keen campanologist & rung the bells in the church on the day of her own wedding. 
Having finished her education at the Village College Joy went on to study at Melton technical college where she did a secretarial course. She worked for a time as secretary to the County Council Treasurer & then went to work for her Dad in his business and it was here she met Bob who went on to become her husband.  
During their courtship and throughout their early married life they were members of the Young Farmers Club, Bob was chairman & Joy was secretary there. In their younger days they spent many happy hours on the dancefloor at the Young Farmer’s Ball or at De Montfort Hall. On the 25th June 1960 Joy married Bob Jeynes and the pair went on to share a wonderful life together, they had many adventures over the years and stood shoulder to shoulder supporting one another through life’s ups & downs. Last year they celebrated 60 years of marriage.  
During the course of her life Joy was a very hard working lady. Her Mother set up a business, a village shop & post office in Wing in 1965. Joy used to spend Friday afternoons doing the post office & shop accounts. When Bob set up his agricultural contracting business Joy was assisted him in many parts of the business which she continued to do right up until her health no longer permitted her.  
In time Joy & Bob’s lives were blessed with 2 children young Bob and then Rebecca. She was a terrific Mum, so very loving & nurturing of both her children. Much as she was a very hard-working lady that never stopped her from being there whenever her family needed her. 
There were to be three homes in the village of Ridlington for Joy & Bob over the years, their first a semi-detached cottage, the second a home they built themselves and the third a fine country residence which was a former riding school. Here Joy was surrounded by animals which she absolutely loved. She adored dogs & bred miniature long haired dachshunds that were in residence for many years.  Jersey cows were kept at one point that provided her with amazing milk to cook & bake with. She was a talented baker & her Victoria sandwich with an extra thick layer of cream is said to have been amazing.  
In 1983 they moved to Wing which has been their home ever since. Content at home, she would watch for hours the ducks & geese as they waddled around the paddock .Here her love of gardening continued.  She truly loved her garden. Being so fair skinned she donned a floppy hat to keep her from the sun. She whiled away many happy hours in her garden growing her roses. Joy also enjoyed flower arranging, a skill that passed from Mother to daughter and the spray you see here today has been made by Rebecca, a last gift of love.  
For a time Joy worked for an interior design company in Stamford before setting up her own small business making curtains, bedspreads and other soft furnishings. She was an accomplished crafter and her sewing skills were incredible. She made the curtains & soft furnishings for all her homes. This was a skill that was also passed on to her daughter Rebecca who can still recall to this day her Mum putting her in front of the old black Singer Sewing machine in order to make a fancy dress outfit for a Halloween Party.  
Christmas was also a favourite time of year for Joy. Many years ago she would have a house full of people and she loved to make her mince pies and sausage rolls for them all. It was like the feeding of the five thousand. 
Grandchildren were to be a massive source of delight for Joy. She was a proud Granny to Sarah, Chrissie & Charlie and in more recent years another generation, that of 2 great grandchildren James & Jemima have also been welcomed. Sarah & Chrissie recall the teddy bear picnics they had with their Granny in the garden when they were small. They also recall the days out to Rutland Water & the Butterfly farm. It was also at Rutland Water that Joy’s grandson Charlie took up sailing & she was very proud of him for this & all his achievements. 
It was 10 years ago that Joy suffered her first stroke and there were to be a succession of further strokes after this which significantly impacted upon her. Rebecca made several trips back and forward to see and to help look after her Mum during this time.  
In time Joy was also diagnosed as having Dementia, a cruel & debilitating disease for her & her family. It was her dearest wish to remain at home during her illness, and this wish was granted as Bob cared for her day and night for a number of years. He looked after Joy with utter devotion and when she made her wishes known that she wanted to die at home, this too was made so. Last October young Bob returned home to help his Dad with Joy’s care. With help from My Care, of Rutland County Council, Joy was able to stay in the comfort of her own home. Latterly in the last four days of Joy’s life Rebecca was also there to spend time with the Mother whom she cherished. Rebecca will forever be grateful for this precious time. 
Without a shadow of doubt Joy’s passing will leave a huge gap in many lives, a treasured Wife, a cherished Mum & Grandma, she will be sorely missed. If there is but one small consolation it is that her suffering is no more, she has found her rest and is now at peace. After the pain of her death subsides there will be much to remember her by, take comfort in and carry forward to the future. It is said that the light of a distant star continues to reach earth long after the star itself is gone. In the same way, Joy will continue to be a beacon of love and light to the many that were fortunate to have known and loved her.