Joyce Wontner

May 11, 1934 - Calgary

August 4, 2013 - Calgary

It is with sadness and joy that we announce the passing of Joyce Amelia Wontner at the Sarcee Hospice. She is survived by her brother Cecil; cousins Bill and Karen Wontner, Mike and Mary Wontner, Marie Hutchinson, Dianne Vass and their families in the U.K. as well as her many close friends in the Calgary area. She was predeceased by her parents Jean and Cecil Wontner. An honour student, she graduated from Crescent Heights High School and the University of Alberta with a degree in education and a focus on early learning. Her teaching career began in Bridgeland and she retired from Dr. Molloy School. Her great love was teaching children to read and appreciate the power of books. The children in her neighbourhood and family were the lucky recipients of many books for their birthdays after they were welcomed with a warm blanket when they were born, and gifts when they called in for visits regularly. Joyce’s big joy was her garden where she had flowers blooming all year, from the earliest bulbs to the latest blooming annuals and perennials. The heritage peonies brought over in 1898 from the U.K. are still in her garden. An active participant, she assisted in planting and maintaining the Crescent Heights Community Garden. She was appreciated as “The Phantom Gardener” in the area, sharing plants and bulbs. She was an active member in the Anglican parishes of St. Michael and All Angels and Holy Cross. A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held at Holy Cross Church, 2828, 19 Street N.W., Calgary on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sarcee Hospice for their loving and compassionate care shown to Joyce and her friends during her long stay there. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Calgary Public Library Children’s Department (1221, 2 Street S.W., Calgary AB, T2R 0W5), the Calgary Horticultural Society (208, 50 Street S.W., Calgary AB, T2S 2S1) or the Anglican Parish of Holy Cross (2828, 19 Street N.W., Calgary AB, T2M 3V8). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial