Page 11 - Absolute Final 13 Spring 2025 Newsletter

Joy Ellen Lewis

18.8.32 - 11.3.25

Joy Ellen Lewis was a determined and fiercely
independent lady who broke barriers and I
admired her greatly.

She was born in Stapleton and lived at 27 Boswell Street, Eastville with her
mum Evelyn and dad Albert, her mum’s brother Leonard and a menagerie of
animals. Leonard was disabled and could not live alone so they all lived
together. She was an only child and very much loved.
Joy’s dad bought her the first Keeshond dog in 1936 called “Von Boy”.
Keeshonds were a relatively new breed to the UK at that time having been
brought in from Holland in 1916 by Mrs Wingfield Digby. Joy was instantly
besotted and here began the love story which lasted her whole life.
School was at Eastvillle and Joy excelled at running and competed in cross
country running through Vassells and Oldbury Court up the river Frome, a
place that brought her so much pleasure in her later life walking her dogs with
her friends.
Joy spent her youth in cousin’s Bryan, John and Arthur’s company and was,
as the only girl, pushed about and picked on. She, of course, fought back
valiantly. Summers were spent between Severn Beach where they had a
“beach hut” and holidays in Cornwall accompanied by Arthur were loved by
all. Later, family holidays were taken in much more exotic places like the
Holy Land and Czechoslovakia.
Music was always a big part of Joy’s life; she loved the classics and opera.
Kathleen Ferrier was her favourite singer and Miki and Griff were country
singers who Joy and her friends followed all over the country like little modern
day “Groupies.”
The family had a greengrocers shop and bakery and apparently produced the
best pies. Joy and her dad grew fruit and vegetables for the shop and her
mum was the pie maker and ran it.

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