Obituary of Joyce Annie Astle

In Loving Memory of Joyce Annie (McAllister) Astle 

March 31, 1932 – August 2, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Joyce Annie Astle on August 2, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born in Bryenton, NB, Joyce was the daughter of the late Earl and Adelaide (Blackmore) McAllister.

Joyce met her future husband while working in an Astle family hotel in Métis, Québec. Métis continues to be a special place for family during the summer. She became a Registered Nurse (1954) at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. She later advanced to night supervisor at the Montreal Neurological Institute.

Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Joyce returned to her studies while raising four school-aged children. She earned a BA in Psychology (1973) and a Bachelor of Law (1976) from the University of New Brunswick. After being called to the bar in 1977, she practiced law until retiring due to health in 1986. Her tireless advocacy and warmth touched countless lives through community leadership and volunteer work.

Joyce’s impact extended across many organizations where she tended to hold leadership roles and responsibilities. Some of these include Chimo, the Literacy Council of Fredericton (which she helped found), Laubach Literacy of Canada, Meals on Wheels, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Girl Guides of Canada. She served on NB educational and UNB Research ethics committees and was a devoted member of Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Joyce found joy in oil painting, gardening, reading, needlework, sewing, cooking and sharing those passions with others. She was a docent at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, participated in book clubs and plant sales, and actively supported the Botanic Garden Association. Most of all, she cherished her family and extended family and encouraged and supported them through the years.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, John S. Astle; children, John W.E. (Alison), Elizabeth Rioux (Rodney), Hugh (Terri), and Mary Astle (Pat Ludwig); grandchildren, Kelsey, Logan (Gillian), Emily, Jasmin, Trent (Robyn), Sean (Sarah), Samantha, Kimberly, and Gregory; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Madelyn and Jolene; siblings, John McAllister (Nancy), Emily Haswell, and Alice Brown (Harold); and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Paul and David McAllister.

A memorial service will be held at J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, August 6 at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Douglas Blaikie. Interment will follow at a later date in Quebec.

Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice.