Joyce Christina Jeffrey (Nee Elmhirst)

May 23, 1923 ~ June 15, 2016

It is with great sadness that the family of Joyce Christina Jeffrey announce her recent passing.  With her family by her side, Joyce, 93 years old, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 15.  Left to mourn her passing are husband Vernon of 70 years, son Blair (Val), grandson Darryl (Kyla), great granddaughters Kara and Kaitlan, sisters Gladys Hebner and Irene Gray.  She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Jean Elmhirst, granddaughter Darcy Jeffrey, sisters Margaret (Archie) Dunbar, Audrey (Gord) Drysdale, Dorothy (Budd) Gibson, brother Phil (Evelyn) Elmhirst and brother-in-law Bill Gray.

Joyce was born and raised in Gilbert Plains on the family farm.  She graduated from Brickburn School in Gilbert Plains in 1942 and went on to Normal School in Winnipeg to pursue a teaching career.  While teaching in her first position at the Morranville School near Grandview, Manitoba she met the man of her dreams, Vernon Jeffrey, whom she married in 1945 and together they farmed and started their family when Blair was born in 1946.

In 1957 Joyce and Vern decided that a career change would be best for their family and they left their farm and moved to Rennie, Manitoba to begin their new life working in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.  Joyce enjoyed 26 years as the Radio Operator and Bookkeeper where she was the “boss” and was well respected and admired by all that knew her.

In 1983 Joyce and Vern retired from the Park and moved to their property on the river in Whitemouth where they enjoyed 33 years of retirement.   Along their journey they made many close, lifelong friendships, and believe this contributed greatly to their longevity.  Joyce had many interests.  During her retirement she volunteered and participated in numerous organizations in Whitemouth including the Ross United Church Choir, Library, Meals on Wheels, Community Center, Community Choir and the Museum Society.  She loved to travel which led her and Vern to many destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and all regions of Canada and the US.  Camping was also a favourite pastime of theirs which started with their honeymoon, tenting in Clear Lake, and they were lucky to be able to trailer their 5th wheel well into their 80’s.  Other favourite past times of hers were curling, walking, knitting, baking, singing, gardening, doing puzzles, going for coffee and birthday lunches with the ladies in town and watching her family participate in numerous sporting events.

Despite her dedication to her work and numerous community and social activities, family was the most important priority in Joyce’s life and in particular her two great granddaughters Kara and Kaitlan whom she adored.  Preparation of everyone’s favourite dishes for all special occasions, knitting the perfect piece of clothing or just having her family at her home for dinner were the things that gave her the greatest joy.  Her butter tarts were legendary!!

Her lasting legacy is her family and all the things she taught us.  Her generosity and zest for life was inspiring, to take life as it comes, not worry about things you can’t change, always keep a positive outlook and to be kind to others.  Joyce truly believed that she lived a good life and was thankful for everything and everyone in her life.  She took pleasure in simple things and was never motivated by material possessions.

We will miss her ever present smile and will never forget our wonderful memories of her.  We will always love you. Rest in peace.

The family would like to thank Dr. Papetti, the nurses and all the staff at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home for the wonderful care and compassion they gave to our mother and grandmother, especially this past week.

Funeral service will be held at the Ross United Church on First Street in Whitemouth on Monday, June 27, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in the Whitemouth Municipal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ross United Church or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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