Obituary of Joyce Mae Lawrence

Joyce Mae Lawrence of Hazenmore, SK, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the age of 74 years. Joyce was born on September 2, 1937 in Kincaid, SK to Albert and Esther (nee Young) Lawrence. She had five sisters and two brothers. Joyce was very close to her sisters and adored her nieces. When they were little, Joyce would often have them at the farm with her, sometimes for long stays or she took care of them at home. She was proud of all her nieces and spoke of them and their children often. Some of her family, including her brothers and sisters, Joyce seldom saw because they lived so far away but she talked to them on the phone often, and exchanged cards and letters. She treasured every photo she had, and displayed them proudly. Joyce also looked after many children in the community and always had a special affection for them; she was interested in their activities and rejoiced in their accomplishments throughout the years. Joyce was a hard worker and she kept a clean home, even without modern conveniences. She was also a wonderful cook and baker. Joyce will always be remembered for her delicious Sunday suppers at the farm. She often baked goodies for her neighbors and always made cookies and baby loaves of bread for the children in her life. Many times she would cook a turkey for a bachelor or maybe that bread pudding he said he had a craving for. Joyce valued and appreciated her family, her friends and her good neighbors. She never ventured far but the coffee pot was always on and she enjoyed having company. She always had a smile for everyone and took time to have a visit with whoever was around. Usually that conversation got around to the weather. Joyce watched the weather closely, probably because she lived so many years on the farm. It all came down to the growing season and her nurturing nature. Joyce was caring, stubborn, hard working, resilient and loyal. She had a sharp tongue at times but her kindness and generosity showed she had a very big heart and she continued to help others until her last days in the nursing home. Joyce is survived by her sisters, Grace Wiese, Ruby Currie, Shirley (George) Wallace, Pearl Springall and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her partner John Allison; parents Albert and Esther (nee Young) Lawrence; brothers George (Marion) Lawrence, Ken Lawrence; infant sister Elsie; brothers-in-law Fred Wiese and Gary Springall. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., from the Hazenmore Community Hall, Hazenmore, SK, with Reverend Mathias Ross officiant. The eulogy was shared by Lois Toye. Readers were Debbie Wallace and Cindy Wilkins. Active pallbearers were Vernon Wilkins, Stan Scribner, Gary Toye, Les Jordet, Bruce Switzer and Bob Switzer. Interment took place at the Hazenmore Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Joyce to the Prairie View Health Centre Fund, Box 329, Mankota, SK S0H 2W0, were greatly appreciated.