Joyce Hazel Simpson

It is with sadness we announce that on Monday, December 7, 2020 Joyce Simpson, our family matriarch, passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta. She is survived by her sister Darlene (Fred). There are also numerous brothers and sister’s-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews that were very important to her. She was predeceased by her husband John in 2011.

She was raised alongside Darlene in Alix, Alberta by Alice and Robert Whitfield. From her parents she learned the devotion and selflessness that would become core values in her life. Using these, Joyce lovingly guided her family through her long life. When Granny needed assistance in her later years Joyce never hesitated to care for her.

She was the bedrock of our family and a woman of tremendous strength, dignity, compassion, and love. Until her final moments her only concern was for her family - comforting us by repeatedly saying that she was fine. Her greatest pride and joy was her family; children Jerry (Lori), Brian (Kim), Sandy (George) and Chris (Kerry); as well as grandchildren Amanda (Kyle), Alex (Arlynn), Sara (Chad), Adam, Emily (Tylor), Allison, Robert and Olivia; and great grandchildren Addison, Luke, Amelia, and Rylan. Her devotion to her family serves as a beacon to those of us lucky enough to have been a part of her life.

The family extends our most heartfelt appreciation to Andrea and Bill Graham who helped her immeasurably since moving to the neighborhood. They became great friends whose companionship and love allowed her to remain comfortably in her house and tending her flowers until the end. We also wish to thank the nurses and staff of Unit 42 at the Foothills Medical Centre for their caring and compassion during mom’s hospitalisation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation (www.albertacancer.ca/donate). At this time no service will be held.