May 23, 1925 - October 4, 2022
In loving memory ~
With great sadness the Giunio-Zorkin family announce the passing of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother Joy Giunio-Zorkin (Gigi) on October 4, 2022.
Joy was born May 23, 1925 in London, England to Edith and Cornelius Roberton. She grew up with 5 siblings in the Chelsea area of London. She was the 5th of the 6 children. Her teen years were during the 2nd world war, and her family was blessed to have everyone survive intact.
At the end of 1944 she met her future husband Mladen Giunio-Zorkin in London. He left to go lecture in the USA and Canada in 1946 and she followed him 6 months later. They were married in Victoria, BC, November 20, 1947, the same day as Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. It was in Nanaimo they started their new life together and stayed for the next 70 years, had their family and built a thriving business which lasted for over 60 years.
Joy was predeceased by her husband Mladen in 2007, and she is the last remaining family member of her generation. She was the matriarch who taught us the value of gathering around the family table and celebrating life together. She loved to have her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren around her and that is what kept her young for so long. We mourn the loss of those bright blue eyes shining with love for us all.
Joy leaves behind her four children; Jana (Patrick), Deborah, Kristo (Melissa), and Niko (Robin). Seven grandchildren; Bibijana (Patrick), Beau (Malena), Alexander (Heather), Matthew (Nicola), Mackenzie, Nicole (Andrew, and Dylan. Fifteen great grandchildren; Domenic, Sophie, Faye, Leiland, Niko, River, Ashoka, Jude, Bobby, Isla, Charlotte, Tobias-Joy, Joy Annika, Sammy, and Isaac.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
A family celebration will be held later in the year.