On August 22, 2019, Patricia Joy Day (nee Barrett), loving wife, mother and nanna, died aged 67 years.
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The youngest of five children to Noel (John) and Dawn Barrett, Joy (as she was known) was born at Berry, NSW, on August 23, 1951. She was the granddaughter of the late Jim Priddle, a well-known Berry figure.
She was a premature baby and her parents doted on her.
As Joy grew up she excelled at hockey, tennis and basketball. She would often accompany her father to work and he nicknamed her Tom.
Joy's first job was as a sales assistant and she later worked as a barmaid in Berry and Nowra.
She married Darryl Day, a serviceman in the Navy, in 1979 and they lived at Shoalhaven Heads. Their son, Benjamin, was born in 1981 followed by another son, Adam, who was born in 1982 but passed after two days with heart complications. A daughter, Michelle, was born in 1983.
Joy and Darryl moved to Canberra and then Kilkivan, Queensland, where they lived for 20 years. Joy volunteered at the school tuckshop and worked at a café, pubs and clubs.
She also worked by her husband's side on cattle properties and as contractors to Kilkivan Shire Council and Australia Post.
As a founding member of the Kilkivan Golf Club, Joy won a grade championship multiple times.
She welcomed visitors and enjoyed preparing meals for guests. Food was a passion throughout Joy's life and she also liked an occasional scotch and soda.
In the late 1990s Joy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Darryl became her carer.
Ben married Teresa Wason in 2005 and a grandchild, Isaac, followed in 2006.
In 2007 Joy and Darryl moved to Urunga, NSW, where a boardwalk allowed Joy to experience the river and ocean from her wheelchair.
A second grandchild, Luke, was born in 2008. In 2012 Joy and Darryl moved to Wondai, Queensland, to be closer to family.
Michelle married Damon Hartnett in 2014 and another grandchild, Ruby, followed in 2017.
In 2018 Joy had to move into a nursing home, with Darryl visiting daily. In 2019 Joy and Darryl moved to Toowoomba, closer to specialist care and a major hospital.
A fourth grandchild, Thomas, was born soon after.
Joy and Darryl celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.
Joy fought a long battle, touched the hearts of many and was dearly loved.
The above obituary was written by Patricia's daughter, Michelle Hartnett.
