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Joyce Simard
Joyce was born to Vivan Howard (Tiny) and Theresa (Terry) Cuyler in Bellingham, Washington on March 10, 1953. After a short battle with breast cancer, she peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Assiniboia Union Hospital on January 26, 2023.
Joyce grew up and attended school in Olympia, Washington. She developed a love of botany and camping in Science Club and a passion for languages and writing throughout her schooling.
Her lifelong love of all animals started at a young age. She was active in 4H with her dog Prince and was very proud when they took the blue ribbon (1st - USA) in competition. Joyce also loved her many riding adventures with her sidekick, a paint named Troubles.
She spent the majority of her summers travelling by train to visit with her grandparents Betty & Louis Stadler and extended family in Southern Saskatchewan (unless there was a Beatles concert that she needed to attend). She was always excited to share that she saw the Beatles in concert twice, once in Seattle, WA and once in Portland, OR. Look closely and you may even see her in photos with other screaming fans.
Joyce came to Canada in 1971 to live with her aunt Carol (Con) Paliuk. That same year she met the love of her life at the Franklin Hotel in Assiniboia where Norm took one look at her across the table and was smitten. They were married on July 8, 1972 and celebrated 50 years this past July. During that time, they welcomed three children and numerous grandchildren.
Joyce had many passions in life but #1 was her family. She enjoyed many shared interests like music, movies, tv shows and games. Our interests became her interests and she often expanded our knowledge base with her own insights. She was a wonderful cook and always made sure to prepare a favourite meal for you or keep treats on hand that she knew you loved.
Many have said that Joyce reminded them of sunshine, that she had a lightness about her that could clear any negativity in a room. She made everyone she met feel special as she was genuinely loving and kind. Joyce had a strong moral compass. She didn’t participate in gossip and she always stood up for what was right.
Joyce had a creative spirit and she loved to write. Many in the community knew her from her work for The Assiniboia Times. She loved to interview people and tell their stories. Some of her more memorable experiences at the paper were when she interviewed Valdy, Lynda Haverstock and NHL hockey player Jordan Weal who all impressed mom as genuinely nice people. She also really enjoyed interviewing Veterans for the Remembrance Day editions.
When Joyce wasn’t working she loved to travel to the West Coast with her family. Many summers were spent visiting with family in Washington and on Vancouver Island. Once the kids moved out she loved to spend time with Norm in Parksville, BC (better known as ParadiseVille). Rathtrevor Provincial Park was their favourite spot.
Joyce was predeceased by both of her parents and her younger sister Barbara Ann, her mother-in-law Jeanne (LeRuyet) Simard, her father-in-law Armand Simard, sisters-in-law Valerie Hicke, Maggie Cuyler and Ruth Steadman, brother-in-law Glen Hicke and nephews Christopher Rowe and Michael Simard.
She is survived by her husband Normand (Norm), her children Marie Simard, Gilles (Andree) Simard and Jacques Simard, her grandchildren Gabrielle (James), Caleb (Brianna), Cuyler (Terra), Emmeline and Cayvin and her great grandchildren Lane & Isla. She is also survived by her sister Ellen (Michael) Myers, brother James (Ria) Cuyler, brother Richard Cuyler, sister-in-law Colette (Brian) Dean, brothers-in-law Maurice (Jackie) Simard, Guy (Terry) Simard, Alain Simard, aunt Carol (Con) Paliuk and many nieces, nephews & cousins.
Although Joyce has left a huge void she lives on in her loved ones. We are all better for having had her in our lives.
Donations in Joyce’s name can be made to South Country Health Care Foundation, Box 150, Assiniboia S0H 0B0 for the Assiniboia Union Hospital for the new Palliative Care Room
A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday April 8th, 2023 at St. George’s Parish Hall in Assiniboia, SK. There will be an opportunity for the family and public to share your memories during the service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Simard family. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK
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