Joyce Marie Litchinsky

Our beloved Mom, Joyce Marie Litchinsky, a loving Spouse, Parent, Gran'mother and Great Gran'mother passed away peacefully at the age of 98 after a lengthly illness with advanced Dementia and will be forever missed.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband; Aaron Litchinsky, daughter; Dianne Parker (Ken), son; Blair Seward (Liz), Grandchildren; Elise LeBoldus (Jared), Travis Parker (Rachel), Cassie Seward (Matt), Brandie Seward, Great-grandchildren; Kara, Meredith, Henry LeBoldus, Sean, Lia, Parker, Brynlee McGarr.

Joyce was predeceased by parents; Myrtle and Bill McIntyre and brother; Harley McIntyre (Ruby).

Joyce was born in St. Barnabas Mission Hospital northeast of Onoway, Alberta and lived in Heatherdown, Duffield, St. Albert as a child and then later in Edmonton. She raised her two children in Edmonton with Robert Seward and later married Aaron Litchinsky in 1968. Mom and Aaron enjoyed a marriage and lifestyle based on 57 years of love and devotion.

Mom and Aaron arrived in Ft McMurray in November 1967 and Mom sensed the need for more stylish clothing in the community. She bought a sewing machine and began a business in their home. Her early customers were mothers with teenage daughters. At the same time she enrolled in a correspondence course from the Chicago School of Fashion Design and finished with a Certificate of Completion in the spring of 1970. As her husband moved from project to project, Mom setup her business at each new location. After a move to Calgary in 1976, Mom transitioned to retail sales, first at Fairweather, and then later in the fur salon at Holt Renfrew. In 1977 a first grandchild arrived and she began sewing again. Eventually there were 4 grandchildren and Mom remained busy for a decade and a half pursuing her love of sewing. Granddaughter #1 received a Raggedy Ann doll on her first birthday. In the years to follow each of the grandchildren received a Raggedy Ann or Andy. There were subsequently 50 to 60 orders for these handmade raggedy's and they became very popular with girls going to university.

A 15 month interlude in 1985-86 found Mom in Australia where she learned to spin wool. When leaving Australia Mom ordered 5 bales of wool, and on return, began to sell spinning wool by mail order all over North America. She joined the Heritage Weavers and Spinners Guild and for 25 years opened their home once a month for all who wanted to spin wool.

Mom's passions included gardening, music, reading Philosophy books, interest in architecture and was a talented artist with a great understanding and knowledge of the art world. Her interests and expertise were always at an exceptional level. She saw the world in a special way and passed this onto her family. She lives in all of us.

A Celebration of Mom's life will take place at a later date this summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a cause close to your heart.