Two girls left orphaned after mum, dad die of cancer

Two little girls have been left orphaned after their mum and dad both died of cancer within days of each other.

Two little girls have been left orphaned after both their mother and father died of cancer with days of each other.

Nigel Joyce was battling a glioblastoma brain tumour and passed away on May 31.

His wife Marjan died of breast cancer on June 6.

Both had been diagnosed with cancer in the past few years.

Tragically Marjan had finished radiation therapy and had been given the all clear but after suffering seizures three weeks ago, medics discovered the disease had spread to her brain.

Mr Joyce suffered a “health crisis” on Anzac Day and was placed in palliative care. He died a short time later.

Nigel Joyce passed away on May 31, while his wife Marjan died on June 6.

The couple, who lived in Christchurch, New Zealand, leave behind two daughters Oriana, eight, and Emily, four.

A funeral will take place for the couple at Christchurch’s St Andrew’s College on Sunday, while a Give A Little fundraiser has been set up to help the girls.

Family friend Angela Hawkins said Ms Joyce had a “beautiful nature” and a “kindness that always brought out the best in everyone”.

“Marjan was a truly remarkable person who left a lasting impact on those around her,” she said.

“Her legacy will live on through her children and family and the many lives she touched with her kindness and beautiful nature.

Ms Joyce had triple-negative breast cancer.

“May Marjan and Nigel rest in peace, and may their memory continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew them.”

Mr Joyce was remembered for his ‘kind and gentle soul’, with both he and his wife having dedicated their lives to raising their two young girls.

‘Their love and dedication to their family were evident in everything they did,” Ms Hawkins told Chris Lynch Media.

“They both loved life and cherished their family deeply. Despite facing a rough time in the last five weeks, both Marjan and Nigel never complained.

“They took everything in stride and felt so loved by their family, friends, StAC, and the wider community.

“They remained strong, united, and resilient, showing everyone the true meaning of love and dedication.

“The world was a better place for having both Nigel and Marjan in it.”

The fundraiser has so far attracted donations of more than $120,000.

Originally published as Two girls left orphaned after mum, dad die of cancer