J
oy Lusher, born May 4 1931 in Southampton to George and Olive Forsdike, grew up in Sidcup, Kent (now part of Greater London). From a young age she displayed both vivacity and generosity; at ten she raised money for the war by renting out her books for three pence a week, sending the proceeds to Winston Churchill’s wife and receiving a heartfelt thank‑you.
After a brief stint as a secretary, Lusher entered the London property market, working in rental offices and showrooms. At 21 she ended an engagement with a Canadian man, sailed to Canada, and later to Bermuda in 1953 with only £60 and a suitcase. She arrived at night, overwhelmed by the island’s nocturnal sounds, yet determined to make a life there.
In Bermuda she balanced day jobs as a secretary with night shifts as a sales clerk at Calypso’s in the Hamilton Princess Hotel. She married, had three children, and eventually divorced. Her first real estate role was with Bermuda Realty, where she astonished her employers by closing a sale in her first week. In 1966 she launched Joy Lusher Estate Agent, building a reputation for honesty and a client‑first approach. She rarely showed properties that didn’t match a client’s needs, a practice that earned her trust and a roster that included music and film mogul Robert Stigwood, whose Wreck Hill home she acquired.
Her daughters, Sue and Liz, joined the firm, turning it into a woman‑owned business. Lusher believed women often made the final purchase decision in families, a perspective that guided her service. She credited perseverance for her success, telling the Bermuda Sun in 1989, “Hang in there. Anyone who works hard gets to make it eventually.”
After retiring from real estate in 1996, Lusher devoted herself to philanthropy. In 2013 she received the Ministry of Cultural Affairs award for her work with seniors, including long‑term involvement with the Seniors Learning Centre (later the Lifelong Learning Centre) at Bermuda College and a travel club. The Hamilton Rotary Club honored her with the Medal of Grace and Fortitude. She also organized fundraisers at her home for Friends of Hospice, founded a poetry club where members hosted dinners and shared verse, and cared for many pets throughout her life.
Lusher’s son Nicholas predeceased her in 2024. She is survived by daughters Liz and Sue, daughter‑in‑law Jamie, grandchildren Ben, Chloe, Christie, and great‑granddaughter Ellie. A memorial service will be held on January 17 at St John’s Church, followed by a celebration at her home in Point Shares, Pembroke. A formal notice will appear in the Gazette. Joy Lusher passed away in December 2025 at the age of 94, leaving a legacy of real‑estate excellence and community service.
