REGINA — Rev. Joyce Hilton died Sept. 14, at the age of 83. Hilton served in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle from the time of her ordination in 1997 until she retired from full-time ministry at the end of 2006. Her published obituary noted: Joyce’s life was marked by devoted service to both her family and her faith.
Born Joyce Loftus in Lestock, she grew up in East Coulee and Calgary, Alta., where she met Ron, who became her husband. The couple had three daughters together. Joyce earned a BA from Athabasca University in 1987, as well as a B.Admin. After the family moved to Swift Current, she attended College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, receiving an M.Div. in 1997.
Hilton was ordained deacon in May 1997 by Bishop Eric Bays at St. Stephen the Martyr, Swift Current. In September of that year she was ordained priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Her first parish was Rosetown/Kyle, from 1997 to 2001. Then she was appointed rector of St. James the Apostle, Regina. She also served as regional dean of Kinrose Deanery for two years, and after retirement was an honorary assistant at the Cathedral.
Hilton was an accomplished knitter and avid reader, and enjoyed planning family meals. She was diagnosed with dementia in 2015. She moved to Golden Prairie Home in Indian Head in 2019.
She is survived by her sisters Alanna and Lynn; sister-in-law Brenda; daughters: Robin and partner Steve, Jennifer and partner Greg, and Jillian and partner Greg; four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Her husband Ron died in 2021.
The funeral was held Sept. 27 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina, with Dean Mike Sinclair officiating.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglington Ave. West, 16th floor, Toronto ON M4R 1K8.
