BARTZ, Joyce Yvonne Sleeper Bartz

Passed away peacefully at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital on Saturday, July 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS. She was 76 years old.

Joyce Yvonne Sleeper Bartz was the beloved wife and best friend of Bernie Bartz. Loving mother of Sarah Cummings (Brandon), Stephen Bartz, Paul Bartz, and Joshua Bartz. Cherished grandmother of Malaki, Gabriella, Chris (Jessica), Jaedella, Boston, Taetum, Treydon, and Taya, and proud great-grandmother of Micah and Silas.

She is also survived by her siblings Joanne Meeks (John), Judy Whiyte (late Milton), Elizabeth Campbell (Bill) and Howard. Joyce will also be fondly remembered by Bernie’s mother, Sonya Baumel; sister-in-law Cindy (Jaques); brothers-in-law Ritchie Baumel, and Terry Kuiack; and by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and community connections.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents Ross and Evelyn Maxwell, as well as her siblings Ron, Keith, Irving and Donna Kuiack.

Joyce was known for her infectious laughter, warm smile, and outgoing personality. She was truly the life of any gathering, and her joyful spirit had a way of lighting up every room she entered. Family was at the center of her life, and she treasured every opportunity to gather with loved ones. Among her favourite traditions was the annual Bean Bake Family Reunion, where stories, laughter, and cherished memories were shared.

Many of Bernie’s favourite memories with Joyce were made during their adventures together. They enjoyed countless long drives exploring the back roads and hidden treasures of Ontario, discovering new restaurants along the way, and spending time on scenic boat cruises throughout the beautiful Muskoka region. Whether travelling near or far, Joyce found joy in the simple pleasure of spending time with those she loved.

Growing up, Joyce enjoyed participating in sports, particularly baseball, volleyball, and darts at the Gravenhurst Legion. In later years, she embraced quieter hobbies and could often be found enjoying a good book, solving word games, or sharing conversations with friends. She had a genuine interest in people and never missed an opportunity for a friendly chat.

Joyce dedicated 35 years of her working life to Home Hardware, where many knew her as “The Paint Lady.” Her remarkable talent for colour matching became legendary, with customers often saying she could match the colour of anything—even a gingham shirt.

A passionate volunteer and community advocate, Joyce’s commitment to helping others continued long after her retirement. She became a beloved and familiar presence through the Facebook community group Gravenhurst The Good, where she volunteered for many years. Joyce spent countless hours each day monitoring local organizations and municipal information sources to ensure residents stayed informed about important community news, events, and resources. Her dedication to helping others find answers, access services, and stay connected made her an invaluable volunteer and trusted community resource.

Joyce also volunteered with Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP), where her kindness and empathy shone through in regular phone calls to community members receiving support. She took the time to listen, learn about their needs, and ensure they felt cared for and connected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she assisted with the Lockdown Lunchbox initiative, helping support local restaurants and encourage residents to shop locally during challenging times. She also helped coordinate winter coat drives in partnership with local organizations, ensuring those in need had access to warm clothing during Muskoka winters.

In recognition of her countless contributions to the community, Joyce was honoured with a Gravenhurst Community Award in 2025. The award reflected what so many already knew—that Joyce genuinely loved helping people and consistently found ways to make her community a better place.

Joyce’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, laughter, and service. Whether she was helping a customer find the perfect paint colour, assisting a neighbour in need, sharing information with the community, or simply making someone laugh, she always gave of herself freely and wholeheartedly.

A Funeral Service will be held at Cavill Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Carlow United Church Cemetery on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Joyce’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, generosity, laughter, and service. From raising her eight as her siblings as her own after the tragic loss of their parents to supporting her community, and offering a helping hand wherever it was needed, Joyce lived a life defined by caring for others. Whether she was helping a customer find the perfect paint colour, assisting a neighbour in need, sharing information with the community, or simply making someone laugh, she always gave of herself freely and wholeheartedly.

Service Schedule