MARY (JOYCE) SANGSTER (ELGERT)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY (JOYCE) SANGSTER (nee ELGERT) Peacefully on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at the Lions Manor, Portage la Prairie, Mary Joyce Sangster (nee Elgert) passed away with family by her side at the age of 81. She was predeceased by beloved husband George Dode Sangster; parents, Pearl and Herman Elgert; and her only child Daryl Sangster. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law Tina Sangster; and grandchildren, Sarah and Ryan Sangster all of Winnipeg; brother Barry (Dolores) Elgert of Portage la Prairie; and countless other relatives and friends. Joyce was born in Portage and grew up in MacDonald. She was an adventurous and fun-loving girl who enjoyed horseback-riding, music, writing and even marksmanship. In 1945 she married decorated RAF Lancaster bomber tail-gunner Dode Sangster of Hensall, ON. They made a home together in Portage la Prairie after their marriage in Virginia (Joyce had been working in Washington at the time) and in 1952 their wonderful son Daryl was born. In 1955 Dode joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and entered Officers' training. Their travels as an Air Force family took them around the globe. They lived in Goose Bay, Hamilton, Gimli, Marville, France and Lahr Germany. While in Europe especially, she enjoyed travelling extensively, and both her and her husband loved to socialize, making innumerable memories and friends wherever they went. Sadly before his time, Dode passed away at age 55 in 1978. Remaining in Portage and later in life wintering in Mesa, AZ, Joyce continued to enjoy music, bridge, gardening, travelling, friends, family and life to the fullest. She belonged to the Rebecca Lodge No. 3 and was a member of the Trinity United Church. She passed away quietly and peacefully 11 months after her beloved son Daryl (aged 52). She will be remembered fondly as a gentle and strong-minded woman who always kept her child-like enthusiasm for life. Funeral service will be held at the Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie, on Saturday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Julie Baker officiating. A viewing will be held prior to the service. Joyce will be laid to rest next to Dode at the Hillside Cemetery family plot. Please join us for a reception in the Crocus Room at the Herman Prior Centre and share your stories. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Lions Prairie Manor for their excellent care and friendship. For those who wish, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 21 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8. A tree will be planted in memory of Joyce by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of the arrangements. 857-4021. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 25, 2005