When Joy Edwards joined the Courtesy Association in 1967, she likely didn’t imagine that her steady presence and quiet determination would help lay the foundation for what would become Meals on Wheels of Peterborough. But that’s exactly what happened.
Originally from England, Joy brought with her a strong sense of duty, shaped early on by service with the Red Cross and the Women’s Voluntary Service. After moving to Canada with her husband Roy and their three daughters, she became a familiar and trusted name in the local volunteer community.
Joy first served as Corresponding Secretary for the Courtesy Association, which at the time combined meal delivery, nursing home visits, and a driving service for seniors. When the organization shifted its focus solely to meals in 1969, Joy remained, helping to reshape the new Meals on Wheels of Peterborough alongside fellow volunteer Dorothy Toole. Together, they invited 16 local churches to support delivery routes—ensuring no senior went without a hot meal or a warm smile.
Her talent for organization, calm leadership, and collaborative spirit guided the program through crucial early years. As Secretary and Assistant Coordinator, then later as Chairman, Joy helped formalize the charity’s operations—introducing a Board of Directors, adding a third delivery day, and supporting the hiring of the first paid coordinator.
Through it all, Joy remained a quiet but powerful force. Her behind-the-scenes dedication and thoughtful leadership helped Meals on Wheels grow to meet the evolving needs of the community. Though she retired from the Board in 1983, her impact lived on in every meal delivered, every volunteer welcomed, and every senior served with dignity.
We remember Joy not only for what she built, but for how she built it—with grace, humility, and a heart firmly rooted in service.
