January 22, 1931 ~ April 24, 2024
Joyce came into the world on January 22, 1931 a cold wintry day in Estevan, Saskatchewan, the second of 3 children born to Gavin and Bertha (nee Battersby) McKersie. She attended school in Roche Percee and one year at Estevan Collegiate. Growing up on the farm she liked all the animals. When she was very young her mother once found her sleeping at the barn door with a batch of piglets. Winter time found her and friends sliding down the snow banks or skating on the river. Summer was also a fun time with swimming, berry picking, catching gophers or climbing the huge rocks around the farm. She met George after he was discharged from the army and they were married in December of 1947. Their marriage was blessed with four children Linda, Pam, Gene and Heather. Joyce was an active member of the United Church while living in Bienfait. She taught Sunday school, explorer leader, superintendent for many years, UCW member, was on the church board (holding the Treasurer position for 20 years). She was also the Secretary and on the Planning Committee for the World’s Day of Prayer. Joyce was also an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary Legion for over 50 years and received one of their highest awards, a Meritorius Medal. While also living in Bienfait, she served as town alderman and volunteered on many community functions. She also taught preschool skating skills in the winter as Bienfait had an indoor arena. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting and camping. She moved to Estevan to be closer to her husband, George, when he was in a special care home, she helped plant flowers in the courtyard at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Even when she lived in the lodge in Gibbons, Alberta she helped with the gardening. She was very active, walking around town and enjoying coffee with her friends. She also found time during all of this to work as a receptionist at a local doctor’s office, worked as a telephone operator (back in the day) and worked in the local hospital.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children Linda Mason, Gene Johnson and Heather Gonas (Mike); son in-law, Tim Sieben; grandchildren Beckey (Randy), Gavin (Trina), Teena, Kevin, Chelsea (Troy), Melanie (Michael), Alexis, Amy (Darrell) and Adam; ten great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; brother, Walter of Canal Flats, BC; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband George Johnson; parents, Gavin and Bertha; daughter Pam; son in-law Deane; daughter in-law Debbie; and older brother Fred.
Memorial Gathering
Saturday, May 25, 2024
1:00 pm ~ 2:00 pm
O’ Sterra Campsite
#4 River Road
Estevan, Saskatchewan
Inurnment
Inurnment will be held following gathering at
Souris Valley Memorial Gardens
Estevan, Saskatchewan
