Joyce Eleanor Emmell (née Chamberlain)
March 10, 1946 – March 30, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Joyce Eleanor Emmell (née Chamberlain), who passed away surrounded by her family on March 30, 2026, at the age of 80. Joyce was a deeply loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend, whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of many.
Joyce was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob Emmell, with whom she shared 50 cherished years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Bob (Karen), Brenda (Rene), and Pam (Brian). Joyce was a devoted grandmother to Andrew (Bailey), Brianna (Ethan), and Isaac, and a proud great-grandmother to August and Arden, who brought her endless joy.
She will also be fondly remembered by her surviving sister Gloria Bacon (Jerry), her brother Dale Chamberlain (Kathy), her brother-in-law Raymond Emmell (Sylvia), and her sister-in-law Brenda Emmell, along with many extended family members and friends.
Joyce will be remembered for her gentle spirit, strength, and deep love for her family. She had a lifelong passion for the restaurant business and took great pride in serving others, finding true happiness in making people feel welcome and cared for. Whether through a shared meal, a warm smile, or her genuine kindness, Joyce had a special way of brightening the lives of those around her.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff of Blanche River Health in Kirkland Lake. Special thanks to Bailey Kasner, her PSW friends Angie West and Lynn Broccolo, and her dear friends Sandy Dickie and Annie Pardy for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a small prayer service at 2:00 p.m., at the Larder Lake Municipal Complex.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Joyce’s memory are invited to do so through acts of kindness in her name.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
Sympathy Messages
To Joyce’s Family
I first met Joyce many years ago when I worked as a park ranger at Esker. That summer was filled with laughter, hijinks, great coffee and even better camaraderie.
Fast forward 35+ years and we reconnected again as neighbours in Larder. Still the same contagious smile, generous with her time and words and ever so genuine. Larder shall miss this steadfast friend to so many. Deepest sympathies to you Bob, Brenda, Pam and your families. Thank You for sharing your Mom with so many very fortunate people who considered your Mom a treasured friend.
- Jo Crouse, on
March 31, 2026
Sending you all my most sincere condolences. I’ll always remember her joy, excitement and enthusiasm. She sure loved to throw good parties and great reunions. Cheers Joyce!!
- Ginette (Girard) Blacker, on
March 31, 2026
I’m so sad to hear the news of Joyce’s passing. She made the world around her a better place ❤️.
I honestly don’t recall a day when she didn’t light up the room that she was in with her happiness and abundance of energy.
May your happy memories help to heal your broken hearts and fill the void that she has left❣️❣️❣️
- Annie ( Rosko) Kmyta, on
March 31, 2026
Joyce, I will miss our chats, your wisdom and understanding and your support and love. I will remember you forever. Your love, positive attitude and your hugs will live with me forever.
I know you and Bob are now together watching over your family. Love you always.
- Janet Brooks, on
March 31, 2026
Through tears and love we say good bye for now. We will truly miss you xo
May my support warm your heart
- Kathy and Dale, on
April 1, 2026
Joyce was the life of the party and the reason so many people from near and far came to the Larder restaurant just to be served by her. Larder Lake was a better place because of Joyce and her family. Rest in Peace, beautiful Lady!
May my support warm your heart
- Charlene Stevens, on
April 1, 2026
My sincere condolences and prayers to Joyce’s family on her passing
May my support warm your heart
- Andy Attwater, on
April 1, 2026
My sincere condolences and prayers to Joyce’s family on her passing
- Andy Attwater, on
April 1, 2026
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to all the family and friends. My mother Ginette spoke of her often, and what I remember most about this great lady is her kindness, her ability to bring people together, her love, and much more. xxx
May my support warm your heart
- Marie-Pierre, on
April 1, 2026
To Gloria and all of Joyce’s family. My deepest sympathy
- Doris Uhrayn, on
April 1, 2026
Condolences to all of Joyce family; she will be missed.
May my support warm your heart
- brenda Veinot, on
April 1, 2026
Heartfelt condolences to all of Joyce’s family & many friends ❤️ she’s left a big imprint on this world…it’s truly an honour to have chatted with her over the years. Whether she knew you or not, you had no choice but to love this charismatic lady, and her spark!
She’s touched many folks over the years and there will indeed be a void…
Heaven has gained a great one 🪽
May my support warm your heart
- Sonia Perreault & Sebastien Morin, on
April 1, 2026
So very sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. We will miss her happy face and her warm welcome. Condolences to her family.
May my support warm your heart
- Matt & Willie Reimer, on
April 1, 2026
So very sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. I will miss her friendly smile and warm hugs. Condolences to her family.
May my support warm your heart
- Marc Reimer, on
April 1, 2026
Joyce was a true gem. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. She leaves a wonderful legacy <3
- Cassandra , on
April 1, 2026
Our deepest sympathies. Joyce was a great lady and I have a lot of great memories with the Emmell family over the years playing hockey with Bobby. Prayers are with you all. Ti-Jean and Sheri.
- John Savarie, on
April 1, 2026
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. Always loved chatting with Joyce over the years. Loved her stories. Loved her energy and spunk! RIP Joyce.
- Tracey and Andre Daoust, on
April 1, 2026
To Bobby, Brenda, Pam and extended family :: Joyce was one very special lady who graced our community with her bubbly and friendly attitude to all.
In her memory , our deepest condolences !
- Dave and Betty Oehring , on
April 1, 2026
deep sadness , a very deep loss
May my support warm your heart
- victor kowbassa, on
April 1, 2026
Joyce was a lovely lady and a joy to talk with. Condolences to the family.
- Mike Bowman, on
April 1, 2026
Sincere condolences to the Emmell family.
May my support warm your heart
- Sam Antila , on
April 1, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family. Joyce was a great boss and a great friend xo
- Joanne Desjardins , on
April 1, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss. Sharing our sincere condolences to your family.
- Serge & Suzanne Collins , on
April 1, 2026
Brenda, Pam, and Bobby
There are no words adequate at this time. My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you.
That your mom was a special person, cannot be argued.
When I arrived in Larder back in '88, young, green,... hungry, LOL ..your mom fed and watered me, made sure I was looked after - literally from day 1. We became friends then, have remained so to this day...a big hug and a visit the first order of business every time I came back to LL for these 35 more years.
She welcomed me, almost like a 2nd mom then, who made a new town a second home, and her restaurant a good place to be. I simply can't express to you the impact she had on me then.
She will be on the Mount Rushmore of the restaurant and hospitality industry - for she was...the best in the business. It wasn't just the food. It was her effort, her warm welcoming way, her excellence in all things hospitality, and character.
Baamaapii Joyce, I'll see you on the other side some day..where I know the coffee will always be hot, the breakfast special and the clubhouse sandwhich always perfect...and a big hug awaits.
Thank you.
Todd Showan
Thessalon.
- Todd Showan, on
April 1, 2026
Sincere condolences to Joyce s family. I enjoyed my conversations with her. She will be missed dearly.
- SUE CARREAU, on
April 1, 2026
my sincere condolences to the Emmell family
My sincere condolences to the Emm
- Maurice and Johanne Charbonneau, on
April 1, 2026
Bobby. Brenda, Pam. and all of Joyce’s family
So sorry for your loss. She was certainly a very exceptional lady. She had the unique ability to make everyone feel special and welcome no matter when or where you saw her. May she RIP.
Sincere condolences
Dianne and Bill Edge
- dianne edge, on
April 1, 2026
Our sincere condolences to all her family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss her every day heartfelt welcome and bubbly smile. Rest in peace Joyce 🕯️🙏 Lise and Moe ❤️
May my support warm your heart
- Lise G. Huber, on
April 1, 2026
Our sincere condolences for Joyce’s passing. I’m not just speaking for myself. I’m speaking for the staff back in the day at the Northern news. We went for breakfast , coffee, Lunch We enjoyed her very much and she was a great cook. I’m not sure if she remembered me when I would see her at Giant Tiger shopping years later , but I always stopped to say hi and she would say hi back with a big smile. Rest in peace, lovely lady.
- Margaret Roy , on
April 1, 2026
Our sincere condolences to family and friends.
R.I.P. Joyce.
May my support warm your heart
- Françoise and Jean-Yves Godin, on
April 1, 2026
Sincere condolences to all the family
She will be missed 🕯️🪽
- Gilles & Diane Clermont , on
April 1, 2026
To the Emmell children and friends my condolences for the passing of your Mom. Know she will be watching over you all. ❤️
- Rachel Sancartier Brown, on
April 1, 2026
Always my favourite dance partner at fish derbies when I was in my teens. Was still a joy to see her every visit home, with a smile and a hug. Such a dear woman.
May my support warm your heart
- Ella Kasner, on
April 1, 2026
One of the few, truly good people we ever met. From the first time we went to Larder Lake in 1990 and over the years, she always made us feel welcome and cared about. Our boys grew up seeing Joyce at the restaurant every time we came up each summer (to pick up or drop off marina keys when the town office was not open on weekends) and later when they came without us. I will never forget the time we arrived and she told us her daughter was getting married and we should come!!! (We didn't but we were touched.) Although we only saw her a couple of times each summer, she made a huge impression on us. We wish you much comfort in remembering a phenomenal woman and hope you can continue her legacy! Lynn and Werner Mueller
May my support warm your heart
- Lynn Mueller, on
April 1, 2026
Our heartfelt condolences ! A great loss to say the least!!
- Kim and Steve Spack, on
April 1, 2026
I remember attending all kinds of hockey games with Joyce. The waiting around between games was not boring with Joyce around. It did not matter what town we were in, Joyce knew somebody and often more than one person or family. She was a treasure to know and Respect. Your shift is over now Joyce. Say Hi to Bob
- Merdy Armstrong, on
April 1, 2026
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We will miss her friendly smile and warm hugs. Deepest sympathy to the family.
- Lucille and Bill Aitchison, on
April 1, 2026
We extend our sincerest condolences to the family during this challenging period. Joyce will be deeply missed.
May my support warm your heart
- Kyra and Patrick Daigle , on
April 1, 2026
She was a truly beautiful soul—graceful, kind, and deeply respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth, love, and gentle spirit touched so many lives, and her devotion to her family was evident in everything she did.
She will be profoundly missed, but her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her. May there be comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband Bob, whom she missed so dearly.
Sending heartfelt condolences and strength to her family during this difficult time. May her legacy of love always surround you.
May my support warm your heart
- Tom and Josee Thompson, on
April 1, 2026
Dear Brenda, Bob, and Pam (and respective families),
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was truly gifted in her calling to serve others. She knew how to make a person feel welcomed. May she rest in peace.
- Michael and Tracey Ficker, on
April 2, 2026
We extend our sincerest condolences to the family during this challenging period. Joyce will be deeply missed.
Darlene & John Truchon
May my support warm your heart
- darlene & John truchon, on
April 2, 2026
so sorry she will be missed
May my support warm your heart
- jaqueline jeffery, on
April 2, 2026
Rest in peace Joyce you will be missed
- April , on
April 3, 2026
What sad news...rest in paradise, Joyce. You were the very best, Larder Lake's shining diamond. You will be missed.Condolences to Family and Friends
- Ada Hearn, on
April 3, 2026
So sorry for your lost. Deepest condolences.
May my support warm your heart
- Bonny & Rick Reid , on
April 3, 2026
Brenda, Pam, Bob and extended family, We want to send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother, grandmother at this sad, difficult time. Our thoughts are with all of you as we understand your pain.
- Donat and Raymonde Bourgeois, on
April 4, 2026
Our sincere condolences to the family as this very sad time❤️
Ron Bivol and Tina
- Tina Rozich, on
April 4, 2026
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your lovely mother.
- Patricia munshaw, on
April 12, 2026
