Margaret ‘Joyce’ Paton was born in February 1930 in Langley, in sight of Windsor
Castle. Joyce’s father died soon after her birth, but as he was a Mason she was sent to
the Royal Masonic School For Girls as a boarder at age seven. She then trained as a
secretary, working mainly in the law and criminology fields. In later years she also
trained as a teacher.

Joyce immigrated to New Zealand in the early 1950s, keen for adventure which she
found aplenty. She married Bob Paton, a Scotsman that she met on the boat and
together they developed their beliefs in socialism, religion and Humanism. Joyce and
Bob built four homes together and lived in Wairarapa, Paremata, Wellington, Australia
and Havelock North. They travelled the world and were always looking for new
experiences and adventures. They also found time to raise two children, Murray and
Kirsty, and to nurture many friendships along the way.

Joyce had many activities and causes she was passionate about. She was a great
supporter of U3A, the Workers’ Educational Society and along with Bob was a lifelong
member and supporter of the Labour Party. She was also a solid supporter of the
Hawke’s Bay & East Coast branch of NZARH. Age did not diminish Joyce’s activism
and love of life. She was a very active supporter of end-of-life choices and indeed
exercised her will by refusing medical treatment for pneumonia, staying true to her
philosophy to the end. 

Joyce’s greatest love – after her family and friends – was the theatre, acting frequently in
amateur productions until her 80s. Her favourite quote was “All the world’s a stage, and
all the men and women merely players.”

Joyce died on 11 December 2025 in Hastings, with her two children by her side. She
was farewelled on 11 March 2026 with a Humanist celebration of life that was attended
by lifelong friends who testified to Joyce’s resilience and strength of character. She is
sorely missed by those lucky enough to have known her.