July 12, 1952 – June 3, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that her family shares the news of Joyce Audrey Kurvits (Freeman/Bradbury) passing away in the hospice unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital on June 3, 2026 after a long illness, surrounded by her loved ones.
Joyce was born in 1952 in Fort William, Ontario.
She went to Jumbo Gardens and Vance Chapman public schools as well as Lakeview High School. After finishing school, she worked as a nanny until marrying Lyle Sumners in 1969.
Together they welcomed three children and cherished their family camping trips.
For many years, Joyce was a stay-at-home mom before joining a housecleaning service owned by her friend Elvira Dustin.
In 1986, Joyce went on a blind date that led to her second marriage and countless joyful moments dancing with Tom Kurvits.
She also loved reading and gardening and found great happiness being at home.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Tom, her first husband Lyle, her father Alec Bradbury, her mother Frances Freeman, stepfather Bill Freeman, sisters Wilma and Kathy, and brothers Leonard, Jim, John and Bob.
She is survived by her dear children: daughter Audrey Sumners-Talbot (Dave) from Blind River; sons Wayne Sumners and John Sumners from Thunder Bay; grandchildren Keira (Jeremy), Matthew, Joshua, Tamara, Rayann; and great-grandchildren Nora, Nolan and Zaiden who lovingly called her GG.
Joyce is also remembered by her sister Mavis Rinne (Gary), brother Glenn Freeman (Susie), sister Bonnie Smith (Brian) of Saskatoon; niece Sheri Notarbartolo (Carmelo); nephew Jake Torkkeli; sisters-in-law Cindy Kurvits and Heidi Mac Arthur; Tom’s aunt Sandy Jokinen; close friends Linda Maehans and Toni Johnson; along with many other nieces, nephews and friends.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital for their compassionate care during Joyce’s last days. Special thanks also go to Tuula Myslicki for her support.
Even though she faced challenges with declining health at times, she showed incredible strength while accepting her fate with grace.
We will hold onto our memories of her with love and fondness.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 1 pm on June 26 at the Castlegreen Community Centre.
