It is with profound sadness that the family of Jocelyn McGlynn announce her passing on Saturday August 15th, 2020, at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, at the age of 23 years. Jocelyn is the beloved daughter of Peter and Jacquelyn McGlynn, and loving sister of Maxx and Zach. Cherished granddaughter of Reg and Brenda DeNure, adored niece of Howard and Jackie McGlynn, David and Donna McGlynn, Kim and Dave Finlay, and Danielle and Keith Chinnery, Pierrette and Kevin Kiriakopoulos, and Brent and Corrie DeNure. Also survived by many cousins. Predeceased by her grandparents Cecil and Josephine McGlynn, and her aunts Juanita and Cecile McGlynn.
Family and friends were of utmost importance to Joc and if you were in this group you knew it. She was kind, intelligent, athletic, creative and disciplined; she excelled at music, theater, painting, drawing, baking, cooking, and absolutely rocked Halloween with her custom-made costumes. Joc sought adventure and was a certified scuba diver at the age of 12. Joc was an avid traveller; she loved Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, the Eastern Provinces of Canada, Alberta, Florida, Chicago, and New York. Joc, however, was equally happy just being at home with the “McGlynn Push” (mom, dad, Maxx and Zach).
Joc represented Chatham while playing travel soccer and she was a defender with unbelievable closing speed. Joc was the fastest 100 M sprinter in CK, was a medal winning figure skater and loved road biking. From an early age, Joc was committed to working hard and achieving/winning as was evident in her Veggie Tales “colouring contest” victory at Gospel Text at the age of 4. This became Joc’s norm. An epic poem that Joc wrote in grade seven was acknowledged by CBC’s Stuart McLean who requested the opportunity to meet Jocelyn, and Joc travelled to present this work to educators in the St. Clair and Middlesex School Boards. In grade eight, Joc was top academic and valedictorian. Joc graduated from French Immersion at UCC with an average above 92% taking STEM courses while in three productions (Addam’s Family, Oliver and Legally Blonde), working steadily and serving as student trustee for the SCCDSB. Although being accepted at Queens and offered $20 000 at Ottawa U for her first year, Joc decided to enter Med Sci at Schulich, UWO. Joc was committed to learning and successfully completed her MCATS in third year with a qualifying mark for acceptance into all Ontario Universities for Medical School. Joc was in fourth year Cell Bio and Bio Chem at UWO and was on the Dean’s Honors List. Joc was a dedicated sorority sister in Alpha Phi and adored her position as the director of ceremonies and chaplain; Joc loved being the voice of Alpha Phi.
Joc had an incredible work ethic balancing school, extra-curricular, social life, hobbies, and employment (Shoppers Drug Mart, Pardo’s and Maple City Country Club). Joc was not only active in her school but also her community (Joc played the role of Kale Gardens in Captain Positive) and her parish (St. Joe’s).
Joc taught us how to live with commitment, passion, and genuine goodness towards all. Joc didn’t have to be right but instead kind. Her talents and gifts are numerous and she was never boastful but rather humble. Joc made us all better people for knowing her. Her beautiful smile could light up any room.
Joc was determined to get her health back and to become a doctor. Joc kept her focus on healing from her first treatment at Victoria Hospital (London) in 2018. She had her first transplant in February of 2019 in NY State at Roswell Park. Joc enjoyed seven months of improved health before she relapsed in September. During this treatment she created every detailed aspect of the “Let’s all go get swabbed” video before her second transplant at PMH (Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto) in December of 2019. Joc appreciated the five months of again improved health before she relapsed in May of 2020. Joc returned to PMH for a new treatment in late June. When she went for a second round of this treatment on June 29th, her stay at PMH was complicated with unexpected surgeries and treatments. Joc spent 46 days at PMH but continued to shine and show her incredible strength and will. After her experiences with the “Rockstar” Urology Team at PMH Joc had decided that would be her route in medicine. It was only on her last day that our Rocky accepted her AML was indestructible. Joc joined our Heavenly Father with the incredible grace and strength that she exuded every day of her life.
Joc made friends with patients and connected with hospital staff. She taught us how to live a true and honest life to the fullest. Joc is an incredible daughter, sister, cousin, niece, granddaughter, and a truly loyal friend.
Joc wanted to help others by sharing her story in hopes of increasing awareness for blood drives and stem cell swab clinics. Through Joc and Rocky’s Team, numerous lives were saved with transfusions, and over 2000 joined the stem cell registry in the first six months of Joc’s battle. We are aware that a number of stem cell donors who registered in hopes of matching Joc in fact were matches for others in need.
Our sincere thanks to Jocelyn’s amazing medical teams at London Health Sciences, Roswell Park, Princess Margaret and the University Hospital Network of Toronto. We are truly grateful to all who supported Joc and our family through messages, donations, and prayers…she felt the support of our Southwestern Ontario community and this gave Joc increased strength and determination. Joccie, you are the best best and mratbf (my really and truly best friend).
Visitation will take place on Wednesday August 19th visiting from 6 to 9 pm, and Thursday August 20th visiting from 1 to 9 pm at the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you must schedule your visitation time in advance by calling the funeral home at (519) 352-2710. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 145 Victoria Ave, Chatham, on Friday August 21st, 2020 at 11am with Father Jim Higgins celebrant. The funeral mass will be livestreamed from the church and a link will be provided. Private family interment St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Friends wishing to attend the funeral mass must call the funeral home at (519) 352-2710 in advance to reserve a seat. Limited seating is available. All attendees as mandated by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario must wear a mask at all visitations and funeral masses. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Canadian Blood Services, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, or the London Regional Cancer Program (London Health Sciences Foundation). On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderfuneralhome.ca
Family and friends are encouraged to share messages, pictures, and videos to Jocelyn’s “Win Rocky Win” facebook page.
Visitation: Wednesday August 19th visiting from 6 to 9 pm, and Thursday August 20th visiting from 1 to 9 pm at the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you must schedule your visitation time in advance by calling the funeral home at (519) 352-2710.
Funeral Mass: Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 145 Victoria Ave, Chatham, on Friday August 21st, 2020 at 11 am with Father Jim Higgins celebrant. Friends wishing to attend the funeral mass must call the funeral home at (519) 352-2710 in advance to reserve a seat. Limited seating is available.
The funeral mass will be live-streamed from the church and a link will be provided. (to be posted)
Private family interment St. Anthony’s Cemetery.
Expression of Remembrance: Canadian Blood Services, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, or the London Regional Cancer Program (London Health Sciences Foundation).
