JOYCE VIRGINIA CHMELNICKI

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JOYCE VIRGINIA CHMELNICKI (nee ROBERTS) December 24, 1930 July 13, 2015 Peacefully, in the presence of family, Joyce passed away on Monday, July 13, 2015 at Grace Hospital. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Edward; her children Richard Minaker (Donna), Carol Bouttell (Bruce) and Christine Hennigar (David); her grandchildren Lisa (Jay), Catherine, Melissa (Gavin), Sean, Adam and Cole; great-granddaughter Sable; and extended family and friends. Joyce was predeceased by her first husband William Minaker; parents John and Norah Roberts; brothers Clarence, Frank, Stanley and Jack and sister Noreen. Joyce was born and raised in the Weston area of Winnipeg and graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. In 1955 she married Bill Minaker who she had met while working as a secretary at Bridge and Tank. Bill and Joyce had three children together and shared the joys and responsibilities of raising them until 1971 when Bill died suddenly and Joyce was left to care for her young family alone. The period that followed was initially a difficult one for Joyce but by 1973 Ed Chmelnicki had become her new husband and also took on the role of stepfather to her children. Joyce would go on to enjoy a wonderful 42 year marriage with Ed where not a day went by without them laughing together and telling each other "I love you". Joyce had a large group of friends many of whom she had known since her childhood. She loved spending time with them whether that be having the girls over for their "club" nights, summer activities with the group at Grand Beach or the Saturday lunches and shopping excursions to Polo Park. She spoke every day on the telephone with Pat Light who had been her friend since their school days some 70 years ago. Joyce enjoyed travelling both short trips to Grand Forks and longer ones to California or Hawaii, (which she referred to as her favourite place). She was an avid reader, knitter and crossword puzzle solver. She looked forward to her weekly dinner dates with Ed at Rae and Jerry's. Joyce loved children and, after raising her own as well as caring for grandchildren before and after school, she spent many years working at the day care centres run by her neighbour and friend, Joyce Sigfusson. Although she had many interests and liked to keep busy, her main priority and concern was always her family. Joyce was devoted to caring for her husband and had special relationships with each of her children and grandchildren. She was proud of each of them and their individual achievements. Joyce loved to talk with them, go on outings or trips with them and attend or support their various activities and interests. Her caring nature was particularly demonstrated during the final years of her mother's life where she and Ed kept her in their home as long as possible and then visited her daily when she had to be in a care facility. Joyce loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and her own mother deeply and they all loved her deeply in return. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. A private service of remembrance for immediate family and close friends was held on Friday, July 17, 2015. If desired, contributions may be made in Joyce's memory to Rossbrook House, 658 Ross Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 0M1. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB in care of arrangements 204.897.4665. For those who wish to sign Wojcik's online Guest Book please visit our website at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2015