Joy Lee Canada, 83, of Denver, Indiana, passed surrounded by family at 2:30 am, Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at her residence.
Joy was born on November 7, 1941, in Hadley, Indiana, to the late Bassie and Mary (Butler) Singleton. Her name described her perfectly. A graduate of Amo High School, she completed her studies in 1959. On August 26, 1961, she married Donald E. “Butch” Canada, with whom she shared many years until his passing on April 25, 2007.
Joy began her working life in the mailroom at Public Service of Plainfield. Later, she served the North Miami Elementary School as cook and then janitor, retiring in 2006. As the eldest daughter in her family, Joy naturally stepped into the role of caregiver, first supporting her mother, later raising her own children, and also throughout her life with numerous friends.
She cherished travel and the memories it created. Among her favorite adventures were a family trip to Michigan, a special 1986 journey with her mother and sister to see the ocean for the first time, and her dream train ride across Canada in 2011. In later years, she treasured trips with her children and her friend Dean, including accompanying him on his Honor Flight.
Joy’s faith was a guiding light in her life. She attended the Chili Baptist Church. She served as a cook at Bear Lake church camp and had taught Sunday school. She lovingly crafted baby blankets, baked and decorated cakes for every occasion, and found joy in tracing her family’s roots through genealogy and family tree books.
She is survived by her sons Michael and wife Julie Canada of Akron, Ind., and Steven and wife Sheri Canada of Brownsburg; daughter, Lisa and husband Dennis Miller of Frankfort, Ind.; grandchildren, Kelsey and husband Cody, Kyle and wife Kassidy, Bryston, Cheney, Keelin, and Karsyn; great grandchildren Waylon, Hallie, Everett, Kail, and Karee; siblings Carl Singleton, Ernest Singleton, Linda Nease, Bonnie Barks, Jack Singleton, Randy and wife Tracie Singleton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Bassie Jr., Joe, and Richard; sisters Lou, Franny, and Rheada; and very special friend Dean Bammerlin.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
A private interment will take place in the Hadley Friends Cemetery, Hadley, Indiana next to her husband.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana.
