Obituary of Joyce Poirier

Joyce Kathleen Poirier (Sephton) passed away peacefully on November 30th, 2022 with her family and her minister by her side. She was born on January 23rd, 1939, the third child of Pete (Albert Edward) Sephton and Kathleen Sephton (nee Thompson). She started school at the Winston country school that was within walking distance of the Sephton farm and finished her high school education at the Assiniboia high school, boarding at the United Church Girls Residence. Joyce completed one year of Teachers College in Moose Jaw in 1958 and then taught Grades 1-4 for two years at Fir Mountain school. On October 24th, 1959 Joyce married the dashing young rancher Maurice Poirier and they were married for 61 years. Maurice passed away in 2021 and now Joyce has rejoined him.

Joyce was a lifelong learner, had many talents and generously gave of these to her family, friends and community. She was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Fir Mountain United Church for 22 years and also served for many years in different capacities at the Presbytery level. Joyce’s skill at the piano was called on regularly for 40 years in the wider community for church services, weddings, funerals, special choirs and teaching piano lessons. She was always willing to help with community projects or celebrations. Two standouts were her work on the Waverley history book in 1978 and the bowling alley committee.

Joyce was a great partner for Maurice on the ranch and loved the life in the hills with him for over 40 years. She truly enjoyed berry picking and gardening. In the fall the fruit room was lined with jars of wild and garden canned produce, the freezer was full and we ate like kings all winter. Speaking of cooking she was a stellar one. Such a talent to quickly whip up a delicious, nutritious meal at the drop of a hat. Joyce was a devoted mom and encouraged her kids to be involved and active. Joyce and Maurice were competitive bridge players and the game became a big part of their fun with the Fir Mountain friends.

In 2001 Joyce and Maurice bought a home in Lafleche and they loved being in town. They made many new friends and had great neighbours there. It was handy for the grandchildren to visit and many great years of town life were enjoyed.

Mom is survived by her son Monty Poirier (Bev), grandchildren Terence (Bonnie) Tasha (Kyle Brodie) and Kaylin Poirier and great grandchildren Emerson and Cassidy Poirier and River and Reno Brodie, daughter Sherry Sproule (David) grandchildren Emily (Jim) Gillis, Audrey Sproule (Antonin Rey) and Duncan Sproule (Nicole) and great grandchildren Mabel, Flora Joyce and Betty Gillis and Violet Sproule, and son Don Poirier (Tracy) and grandchildren Jeremy and Marcus. Joyce is also survived by sister Judy Lawrence (Ted), brother Boyd Sephton (Sharon) and sisters in law Muriel Greffard and Conne Robertshaw (Ken) and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Maurice, parents Pete and Kathleen Sephton, brother George Sephton (Gail) and sister Darlene Sephton also in-laws Joe and Anne Poirier, Erna and Don Hatlelid and Lucien Greffard.

A Celebration of Joyce’s Life was held on Monday, December 5, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at the Lafleche United Church with Reverend Janelle Shaw officiating.