Jocelyn Ryles

With love and sadness, we announce the passing of
JOCELYN RYLES

Predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Maurice, and her  sister Patricia Wheeler (Doug).  Jocelyn (Jol) will be missed by her children Derek (Rolande) and Sheila; and by grandsons Sean (Tess) and Dustin (Brittney), and great-granddaughters Peyton and Ellie.

Jocelyn was born in Winnipeg in 1925, the eldest daughter of Gwendoline and Walter Highmoor. After graduating from  the University of Manitoba, Jocelyn joined the editorial  staff of the Winnipeg Free Press, working on the women’s  page and general news, and then as the music and  entertainment page editor.

The Ryles family relocated to Toronto in 1960, where Jocelyn, an avid painter following in her acclaimed mother’s footsteps, joined art groups in Don Mills, Leaside and Willowdale, where she took part in the groups’ many art shows over the years. Mom’s creativity guided her to the Toronto General Hospital where she began sketching patients to brighten their day.   This led to involvement in art selection for the hospital walls, and later to the presidency of the Auxiliary.  This love of art remained a passion throughout Jocelyn’s life, and friends and family will be cheerfully reminded of mom through the still life prints and cards she so proudly circulated.

In 2009, Jocelyn and Maurice moved to  Prince Edward County, where they lived out their  golden years on the Lavender Farm.

The family would like to thank everyone at The Wellings of Picton for enabling Jocelyn to live independently until late last year, and for the kindness shown by the nurses and PSWs at PECMH and Trent Valley Lodge during her brief stay.   We would also like to thank mom’s many friends and  neighbours, near and far over the years, who afforded so much interaction and joy.  Jol was plucky and determined to the end, and lived every day with strength, courage, and a love of life.