It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Joy Marie Hyvarinen’s passing on June 4, 2026, at Toronto General Hospital.
Joy was born on November 11, 1960. She was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who always prioritized others. Her life was an example of love and compassion that she passed on to her children and family.
Throughout her life, Joy encountered challenges but faced them with true “SISU”, rarely allowing others to see her struggles.
She was married for 43 years to her beloved husband Dan. Together they cherished their love for their children Tyler (Patrick) and Andy (Vanessa), grandchildren Reid and Riley, along with their adored pets Sadie and Ella.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents Arvo and Raili Tenhunen, father-in-law Gerald Hyvarinen, and Mummu Edna Pykari. She will be sorely missed by her mother-in-law Helen Hyvarinen; brothers Bruce (Lauren) Tenhunen and Dale Tenhunen; brother-in-law Randy (Carol) Hyvarinen; nephew Ryan (Natassia, Ethan, Henry) Hyvarinen; nieces Laura Hyvarinen (Banjo), Olivia Tenhunen (Zach), Erica Tenhunen; lifelong friends Thelma, Mary Jane, Audrey and Sharon; as well as many other family members and friends both near and far.
Joy found her passion in healthcare as a medical receptionist for many years where she offered kindness and compassion to all the patients she encountered.
Joy also loved to travel. She always planned for the next adventure to places she never thought she’d visit with Dan. Her favorite trips were those to Southern Ontario where she spent time with her children and grandchildren enjoying sports, dancing and singing together. The family wishes to thank the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Toronto General Hospital for their care during this time. They also appreciate the support from the staff at Humphrey Funeral Home in Toronto and Everest Funeral Chapel in Thunder Bay for their kindness during this difficult period. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at 11am at Christ Lutheran Church located at 47 Walkover St., Thunder Bay. Following the service there will be interment at Riverside Cemetery. A reception will take place shortly after at Everest Funeral Chapel at 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in Thunder Bay. <p. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in Joy’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or another charity of your choice which would mean a lot to the family. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
Joy found her passion in healthcare as a medical receptionist for many years where she offered kindness and compassion to all the patients she encountered.
Joy also loved to travel. She always planned for the next adventure to places she never thought she’d visit with Dan. Her favorite trips were those to Southern Ontario where she spent time with her children and grandchildren enjoying sports, dancing and singing together. The family wishes to thank the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Toronto General Hospital for their care during this time. They also appreciate the support from the staff at Humphrey Funeral Home in Toronto and Everest Funeral Chapel in Thunder Bay for their kindness during this difficult period. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at 11am at Christ Lutheran Church located at 47 Walkover St., Thunder Bay. Following the service there will be interment at Riverside Cemetery. A reception will take place shortly after at Everest Funeral Chapel at 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in Thunder Bay. <p. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in Joy’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or another charity of your choice which would mean a lot to the family. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
