Obituary
Joyce Irene Johnson after a long and often difficult illness, left her earthly home for her heavenly one at the age of 84 years.
Joyce was born on April 16, 1935 and raised in Saskatchewan. She moved to Winnipeg, MB to go to secretarial school, where she met Herman through a mutual friend. They were married October 6, 1956.
They started their family with a daughter, Martha in 1958 and grew with the birth of their sons, Gerald in 1960 and Daniel in 1963.
The family moved a lot between Saskatchewan and British Columbia over the next 16 years. In 1974, they moved to Winnipeg and then off to Swift Current Saskatchewan a few years later. Joyce remained there after Herman’s death.
In the summer of 1997, she met Ralph Johnson at a church summer camp. They married in 1998 and she moved to The Johnson Valley Ranch in Newbrook, Alberta. Life was a little quieter there, but mom’s hands were never idle. She was always knitting, sewing quilts, embroidering keepsakes and making floral arrangements for her many new family members. She rejoiced in each new grandchild and great-grandchild.
After Ralph’s declining health made it difficult to remain at the ranch, they moved to Smoky Lake. Mom resided there until her death except for a brief stay at the Andrew Nursing Home in Andrew, Alberta.
Mom’s faith and her church were very important to her. Over the years she was a Sunday School teacher, helped with Pioneer Girls, and an active participant in the women’s groups in the church. She volunteered many hours at the Smoky Lake Baptist Church Library.
Her last few years were hard for her. She was diagnosed with Diabetes and Parkinsons later in life. These challenges were difficult for her to deal with but, these hard times are over for her and she has gone to be with her Lord and Saviour.
Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Martha (Daryl); sons, Gerald (Ann) and Dan (Donna); sister, Shirley; 5 step-children, Harold (Hilde), Clarence (Carolyn), Mervyn (Jayne), Norman (Louise) and Sonya (Rick); 5 grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, one great-grandson and 21 step-great-grandchildren.
Joyce was predeceased by her first husband, Herman (1988), her second husband, Ralph (2011), and a daughter-in-law, Glenis (2005).
The family would like to thank Dr. Johnson Fatoukun, Pastor Keith Axford and the ladies of the First Baptist Church for their continued care and compassion. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Smoky Lake Extended Care Faculty and the Bar V Nook Supportive Living Lodge for the care, compassion and dignity they gave mom.
Cremation has taken place and a family service will be held at a later date.
Joyce will be laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg, MB.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Box 660, Smoky Lake, Alberta, T0A 3C0.
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joyce Johnson 2020..
Foster & Mc Garvey funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta