Joyce Dekker was the founder and inspirational leader of the Frontier Animal Society, guiding its mission for nearly thirty years. Joyce passed away on February 28, 2020, at the age of 82.

In April 2019, Joyce received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guardians’ Best Rescue Foundation—a fitting recognition for someone who dedicated so much of her life to animal welfare. “Devoted” perfectly encapsulates the relentless commitment she demonstrated on behalf of countless abandoned and neglected cats and dogs.

In 2015, after 29 years of truly selfless service to the animals in her care, Joyce made the difficult decision to step back from her day-to-day duties and begin her well-earned retirement. As shelter director, she was a caregiver, mentor, and advocate, unwavering in her commitment to making the world a kinder and gentler place for cats and dogs.

Joyce’s impact on animal welfare extended beyond the local community and resonated throughout the Eastern Townships. For twenty-two years, she ran a low-cost sterilization clinic for cats, addressing a significant need by sterilizing and vaccinating well over 8,000 cats and kittens.

Additionally, she oversaw the adoption of hundreds of dogs and cats and played a direct role in rescuing countless abused, neglected, or abandoned animals. 

While we mourn her passing, we also express our gratitude for her life spent fighting tirelessly against animal cruelty and neglect. With a dedicated team of volunteers and Joyce’s vision guiding us, we will continue to provide shelter and care for neglected, abandoned, or stray cats and dogs. We remain committed to advocating for better animal welfare laws and promoting responsible pet ownership through education and awareness-raising efforts.