April 23, 1935 – March 1, 2026
Joy passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 90.
Joy loved all animals, especially horses, and dedicated much of her life to both family and the equestrian community. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, James Donald Longley, in May 2017 and her older brother, Richard Avery Walpole in May 2022.
She is survived by her four children: twins Wendy and Margot, Holly, and James, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed by many friends, students and members of the community whose lives she touched.
Joy grew up in Richmond, British Columbia, and attended medical school at UBC graduating in 1960. She balanced her professional career while raising four children, and still found time to share her passion for horses and teaching. Joy was a longtime instructor at Southlands Riding Club, where she taught dressage to countless riders. She was also a dedicated supporter of Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA), taught Pony Club, and was instrumental in starting the Southlands Riding Club vaulting team.
The Longley family home in Southlands was always full of life – more like a revolving door of neighbourhood children, riders, and animals. Joy created a welcoming place where many young equestrians found encouragement, mentorship, and lifelong memories.
In 1993, Joy and her husband moved to Salt Spring Island, where she continued to pursue her many creative passions. She was a talented seamstress and quilter and loved creating beautiful greeting cards using stamps and embossing.
A perfectionist by nature, Joy brought the same dedication to her riding. She competed with her beloved dressage horse Tiggy to Olympic level Grand-Prix, earning many championships along the way.
A big thank you to the caring staff at Heritage Place.
Joy will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, determination, creativity, and the many lives she influenced through horses, teaching, and community.