JOYCE SMITH -

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JOYCE SMITH 1923 - 2006 It is with great sadness that the family of Joyce Smith announces her peaceful passing at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg on Tuesday, July 18, 2006. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Susan (Henry Klassen) of Winnipeg; son David of Seattle; three grandsons, Matthew, Sean and Eric Smith; sisters-in-law, Margaret Smith, Celine Estey and Helen Galigan; brother-in-law Al Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as Kendra and Krista Klassen. Joyce was predeceased by her beloved husband C.K. (Smitty) in 1991; brother Keith Estey; and her parents, Herman and Margaret Estey. Joyce was born and raised in Marysville, NB. Upon completion of secretarial college, she was employed by the Province of New Brunswick and for many years was the personal secretary to the premier of New Brunswick. This afforded her the opportunity to travel throughout eastern Canada and to meet politicians and statesmen of the day. Throughout her life Joyce maintained an avid interest in politics. It was in Fredericton, NB that Joyce met her beloved husband Smitty, who was completing a degree in Forest Engineering at U. N. B. Upon his graduation in 1950 they wed and returned to Smitty's home province of Manitoba where he had accepted a position with the government. It is in Winnipeg, and for a short period in Dauphin (1959 - 1965), that they raised their children. Joyce was a devoted mother and wife, a loving and caring person who put her family's needs ahead of her own. She took a great interest in their activities and became involved through volunteer work as a secretary for a Boy Scouts troop or helping with homework and studies. Many were the nights she stayed up to the wee hours to type a last minute term paper for her kids or to finish sewing a dress for the big dance . Mum was our best friend. Joyce enjoyed sports and in her early days loved to swim, curl and play badminton and tennis. Later she enjoyed rooting for her favourite team, the Blue Bombers and watching a good curling match. She would play bridge at the drop of a hat and was quite skilled at the game. Joyce was an exceptional homemaker and was known by friends and family for her incredible and perfect handiwork - sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, knitting and quilting - just to name a few. Friends and relatives take pride in displaying one of her beautifully crocheted tablecloths or bedspreads or wearing a hand knit by Joyce sweater. In the last two years, Joyce's health began to decline and she moved to the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. The family would like to thank all the staff there for taking such wonderful care of Joyce - particular thanks to the staff on the second floor for their kindness and compassion. As well, a special thanks to Aunty Margaret for her support during this time. A private family service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held and in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2006