Although she fought like a Viking until the very end, Ragnhild Joy Jondahl was forced to concede a 5 year battle against cancer on February 11, 2022.
An eternally proud Norwegian, Joy was born in Kristiansund, Norway on April 14, 1945 (she’d even like you to repeat that sentence aloud). Despite moving to Canada at the age of 5, nothing could ever quite compare to her homeland, where the grass was greener, the fish were saltier, and the sweaters were just the right degree of wintery. Incredibly, she even claimed to enjoy Lutefisk, whose legendary stench could turn the nose of even the most voracious Norseman.
Joy was a news junky, a foodie, a music fan, a crime novel nut, a recovering bridge player, and a fair-weather member of the Sons of Norway (where she went for the Lutefisk, naturally). She was also a lover of architecture, interior design, gardens, and of course— Costco (the holiest of all wholesale stores).
Though a social worker by career, she exercised her innate creativity in her later years, honing her artistic voice through painting and becoming a proud member of the Victoria Sketch Club. She loved to champion the work of local artists like that of her peers, and was famed for her ‘Art Tours’ at home.
However, she was probably best known amongst her friends for her sense of humour, which would oscillate between ‘sardonic wit’ and ‘utter goofball.’
She will be greatly missed by her beloved extended family in Norway, her brother John, Lynne, her son Erik, and her circle of dear friends, who were also like family to her…
There is no doubt she’s earned her way to Valhalla. So let’s raise a glass of ‘chard’ to her. Skål!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marshall Horne
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Heather Holmes Dearest Erik
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. I will always remember our time together sharing single parenthood, especially during your school days with Marshall. We laughed a lot at you two!
Big hugs
Heather Holmes
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Shirley Giske John, I was so sorry to read of Joy’s death. My sympathy to you.
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Leigh Forrest Over 50 yrs of friendship with Joy; early years bonded over skiing at Whistler when Whistler was a village, followed by beer &often Joy’s baccala. Shopping trips to Seattle. As a social worker Joy juggled her work, raising a son, buying homes & still managing to entertain. With retirement she really pursued her artistic interests. Never went to her house when she didn’t show me her latest ‘value’ purchases. Her love &pride in Norway often manifested itself in her strong political beliefs. She loved watching hockey games with Erik who so lovingly provided so much care & comfort for her in her final difficult struggle. Rest in peace Joy love Leigh
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Wenche Rakvåg Dear Erik, John and Lynne, you have our deepest condolences in this sad time. Ragnhild will be dearly missed. We are so thankful for good memories we shared when she visited Kristiansund. Love from Wenche, Stein Inge, Adrian, Sebastian and Philip.
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John Black Joy and I went to Downsview Collegiate together from 1960-1964 and were great friends during that time. After we graduated she moved to what I thought was the end of the world in BC…then I moved there in 1969. We re-established contact about 5 years ago on Facebook and kept up with each other and other old high school friends there. I knew she was ill but did not know it was to end this soon. I had hoped that we could get together in Vancouver after Covid ended, but… I’m so sorry to see her to go and to lose her friendship.
John Black, Chilliwack BC.
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Curt & Elisabeth Dear John and Family.
We are so sad reading about Ragnhild’s passing and are sending you our deepest condolences.“Fred være med hennes minne ”
Sincerely,
Curt and Elisabeth Jensen
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Sharon I will always think of Joy as a dear friend. My thoughts are with you and I care a lot.
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Lorraine Mainwaring My sincere condolences to John, Lynne and Erik. Joy had an interesting and well-lived life. All those memories from so long ago:
Wonderful dinners at her mum’s house, waiting for the birth of Erik, spending the day with Joy and Erik at Cadboro Bay Beach (there was so much sand in Joy’s car but it didn’t bother her), sipping wine on Erik’s grandfather’s boat, enjoying a big bowl of popcorn while watching a movie (Joy would sneak in extra salt when she thought I couldn’t see), drinks at The Snug on a weekend.
The last chat we had was in our favourite store, Costco.
Joy was a strong woman. Rest in peace.
Erik,
I have so many fond memories of your house on Linkleas. For many years, it was a second home. Hockey in the basement, late night SNL watching, video games, sleep overs every weekend, and the paper route. I’d like to think that I had a small part to play in your mother’s Costco addiction from all the chicken flavoured Mr. Noodles we consumed.
Joy was always very kind to me. I am so sorry for your loss.