1931
Bendigo Beginnings
Born on August 21, 1931, to Clarance and Amelia Read in Bendigo. As the daughter of a school principal, Joyce moved frequently throughout Victoria, living in Foxhowe, Gisborne, and eventually Castlemaine.
Their Story
Joyce Elizabeth Tait was born on August 21, 1931, in Bendigo to parents Clarance and Amelia Read. As the daughter of a school principal, Joyce moved frequently throughout Victoria, living in Foxhowe, Gisborne, and eventually Castlemaine. Despite her father's high academic expectations, young Joyce preferred fun to schoolwork, developing an entrepreneurial and mischievous spirit that would serve her well throughout life.
At age 20, Joyce moved to Kangaroo Flat to live with her Nana and begin a hairdressing apprenticeship at Mr Lowe's salon. In 1951, she met Jack Tait at a Tech School Reunion Ball. After a courtship that included hunting and rabbiting adventures, they married on February 6, 1954, at Castlemaine Methodist church. Together they built a life in Castlemaine, welcoming three daughters: Merilyn, Robyn, and Dianne. Joyce worked as a hairdresser at Alexander Aged Care before she and Jack purchased a local shoe shop in 1967. Through dedication and long hours, they grew JJ Tait's Footware into a successful business, celebrating 100 years of trading in 1987 before retiring in 1992.
Joyce was a devoted matriarch to her nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, creating lasting family traditions including annual holidays to Torquay and Easter camping trips to Boundary Bend. A passionate tennis player and gardener, she was active in her church, Rotary, and various community groups. She embraced life with optimism and warmth, always willing to try new technology and share her famous baking. Joyce lived by her personal motto: God is her rock and family is her heart. She passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of love, strength, and unity that continues through the family she cherished.
A Life in Moments
Independent Spirit
Despite her father's high academic expectations, young Joyce preferred fun to schoolwork, developing an entrepreneurial and mischievous spirit that would serve her well throughout life.
1951
Hairdressing Career
At age 20, Joyce moved to Kangaroo Flat to live with her Nana and begin a hairdressing apprenticeship at Mr Lowe's salon. She later worked as a hairdresser at Alexander Aged Care.
1951
Meeting Jack
In 1951, she met Jack Tait at a Tech School Reunion Ball. After a courtship that included hunting and rabbiting adventures, they married on February 6, 1954, at Castlemaine Methodist church.
Growing Family
Together they built a life in Castlemaine, welcoming three daughters: Merilyn, Robyn, and Dianne. Joyce devoted herself to her growing family with warmth and dedication.
1967
Business Partnership
Joyce and Jack purchased a local shoe shop in 1967. Through dedication and long hours, they grew JJ Tait's Footware into a successful business, celebrating 100 years of trading in 1987 before retiring in 1992.
Family Traditions
Joyce created lasting family traditions including annual holidays to Torquay and Easter camping trips to Boundary Bend. She was a devoted matriarch to her nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Active in Community
A passionate tennis player and gardener, Joyce was active in her church, Rotary, and various community groups. She embraced life with optimism and warmth, always willing to try new technology.
Lasting Bonds
Joyce maintained deep connections with family and friends throughout her life, sharing her famous baking and creating memories at countless gatherings and celebrations.
2022
Her Legacy
Joyce lived by her personal motto: God is her rock and family is her heart. She passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of love, strength, and unity that continues through the family she cherished.
Their Song
In Memory
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“Love you nan ”
Matt · 21 Apr 2026