Joyce Merriam Beatty

We are sad to announce the passing of Joyce Beatty on May 12 in her 92nd year. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and nana, great-nana and good friend.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband Ken in 2021 and by her sisters Gerry Joedicke and Helen Wilson.

Joyce is survived by her children and their spouses, Sheila Beatty (Darrell Burt), Jim Beatty (Hope), and Karen Grogan (Terry). She leaves her beloved grandchildren, Matthew Beatty (Allison), John Grogan (Julie Gervais), Alec Beatty (Megan Friesen), Andrew Burt, and Heather Burt. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Patrick Beatty, Abigail Beatty, Luke Grogan, and Max Grogan. She is also survived by her only cousins Alan and Dennis Shaw, along with her nieces, nephews and their families all of whom were dear to her.

Joyce was the youngest of 3 girls born to Alec and Alice McCallum. She was born in Winnipeg and graduated from Kelvin High School. She was a proud member of the Winnipeg General Hospital nursing class of 1955 where she made many lifelong friends.

In 1956 she met Ken Beatty on a blind date and it was ‘kismet’. They were married on May 1958 and started their family. Joyce was the driving force of the family, not only organizing everyone in the day to day – but also planning amazing family camping and road trips.

Joyce and Ken were actively involved for many years with the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg (and then K40) and were active members of Silver Heights United Church. Joyce was a public health nurse before becoming a homemaker and when her children were in high school she became an Administrative Assistant at the Faculty of Medicine.

Joyce was a voracious reader, a very talented seamstress and knitter and an accomplished pianist. She loved music, musicals, current events, crosswords, bridge and correcting grammar. She had an active and engaged life and had a lot of fun both with family and with a wonderful group of friends.

Joyce’s family would like to thank her community at St. James Lions Estates, particularly her friend Donna Miller, Comfort Keepers, homecare, and the staff of Sturgeon Creek II for all their kindness and thoughtful care of Joyce.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s memory to Habitat for Humanity.