In memory of
Joyce Mawuena Edem
May 24, 1963 - May 13, 2026
Joyce Mawuena Edem (née Sewornoo, born on May 24, 1963, in Accra, Ghana) was a vibrant, beautiful, and deeply caring woman whose warmth, humour, and generosity touched countless lives. She passed away at the age of 62, which was far too soon. We believe she lives on through the most beautiful elements of the world: through the warm rays of every sunrise, through the playful songs of chirping birds, and through the gentle sounds of water moving to and fro. Just like these elements of nature, she was full of life and brought immense joy to those around her.
Joyce grew up in the heart of Accra. From a young age, she loved reading and dancing, and she always excelled in her studies. She attended Nungua Secondary School and St. Mary's Sixth Form College. After passing her A-level examinations with flying colours, she gained admission to University of Ghana. She was the first person in her family to attend university, where she studied Arabic and Linguistics. As part of her studies, she spent a year in Libya.
Joyce was a gifted hyperglot, translator, and interpreter; she dedicated much of her life to helping others feel seen, understood, and supported across cultures and generations. She knew over 7 languages and spoke each one fluently, including: Ewe, Ga, Twi, Fanti, French, Creole, English, Krio, and Pidgin English.
Joyce was also a passionate community leader and storyteller who brought people together through compassion, wisdom, and laughter. Whether through her professional work, community advocacy, or personal relationships, she carried a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Above all, Joyce was a devoted and loving mother who meant the world to her two daughters. Her strength, resilience, creativity, and love will continue to live on through the many lives she impacted.
She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love. She leaves behind her family: Jijo Quayson (eldest daughter), Abie Quayson (youngest daughter), Spencer Schunk (Jijo’s fiance), Gina Bentham (sister) and George Sewornoo (brother).
A funeral will be held privately on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 for immediate family.
Those who wish to pay their respects may send gifts of condolence or donations to support the family directly through the links below.
GoFundMe donations in support of family: https://gofund.me/bf002ef36
Gifts of condolence: https://mpg.canadianaflowers.com
Joyce grew up in the heart of Accra. From a young age, she loved reading and dancing, and she always excelled in her studies. She attended Nungua Secondary School and St. Mary's Sixth Form College. After passing her A-level examinations with flying colours, she gained admission to University of Ghana. She was the first person in her family to attend university, where she studied Arabic and Linguistics. As part of her studies, she spent a year in Libya.
Joyce was a gifted hyperglot, translator, and interpreter; she dedicated much of her life to helping others feel seen, understood, and supported across cultures and generations. She knew over 7 languages and spoke each one fluently, including: Ewe, Ga, Twi, Fanti, French, Creole, English, Krio, and Pidgin English.
Joyce was also a passionate community leader and storyteller who brought people together through compassion, wisdom, and laughter. Whether through her professional work, community advocacy, or personal relationships, she carried a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Above all, Joyce was a devoted and loving mother who meant the world to her two daughters. Her strength, resilience, creativity, and love will continue to live on through the many lives she impacted.
She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love. She leaves behind her family: Jijo Quayson (eldest daughter), Abie Quayson (youngest daughter), Spencer Schunk (Jijo’s fiance), Gina Bentham (sister) and George Sewornoo (brother).
A funeral will be held privately on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 for immediate family.
Those who wish to pay their respects may send gifts of condolence or donations to support the family directly through the links below.
GoFundMe donations in support of family: https://gofund.me/bf002ef36
Gifts of condolence: https://mpg.canadianaflowers.com
Funeral Details
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Service
(The family wishes this to be a private event.)
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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