JOYCE MARY ELLEN LAWSON

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JOYCE MARY ELLEN LAWSON Joyce Lawson (nee Landin) unexpectedly passed away on May 21, 2013 at 77 years of age. She had been residing at Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oakbank since February, 2013. Joyce was born March 30, 1936 in Winnipeg to Robert and Ellen Landin. She grew up in Vivian, Manitoba with her siblings Lillian, Doris, Bobby, and Ray. She met Sam Lawson while he was working for the CN, and they were married in her parents beautiful yard on August 1, 1964. They bought their first home in Vivian, where they raised their four children. They lived there until 2011 when they moved into a Seniors apartment in Dugald. Joyce's passions included gardening, decorating, collecting and trying new recipes for her family, reading, playing cards, and travelling. In the summer, she and Sam loved to take road trips, visiting small town libraries and buying up used books for her very own library she kept in the garage! They loved camping and favourite spots were Lake Bronson in Minnesota and Spruce Woods Provincial Park, where they returned every summer for years. All of their children would love to meet for vacations there, and all of their grandchildren would be treated to camping adventures there. Joyce and Sam also enjoyed travelling throughout the US and Canada, and in 2007 were treated to a tour of Scotland (Sam's home country) with his nephew Alan and Christine. A highlight for Joyce there was exploring every single castle she could get into! While at home in the summer, they worked hard at keeping up their beautiful yard, with its 18 gardens which she proudly showed to family and friends. Joyce and Sam had always been politically active and they contributed their efforts and energies to many political functions over the years. During the 1980s Joyce successfully ran for Council in the RM of Springfield, and remained on Council for three terms, which she thoroughly loved. She was also appointed to the Provincial Board of Municipalities and enjoyed travelling throughout the province. In her later years, Joyce was afflicted with Parkinson's disease and found it harder and harder to do the things she loved. Her health became the reason they had to move out of their beloved home in Vivian and into the apartment in Dugald. Still, they found ways to enjoy their lives together and were rarely apart. They lived for their family as well, and despite the smaller size of their dinner table, there was always room for family get togethers. Joyce will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her husband of 49 years, Sam, her children Debbie (Jim), Rob (Gail), Cindy (Doug), and Gavin. Also cherishing her memory are grandchildren Jaie, Deanna, Kristopher, Brandin, Kayla, Rene (Chris), Christopher, and one great-grandchild, Jack. As well she leaves behind her brother Ray (Elfriede), nieces Pennie (Mike), Cheryl (Gary), Sandra (Pete), Wendy (Steve) and their families. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 26 at 3:00 p.m. at Seasons Funeral Chapel, 576 Balsam Crescent in Oakbank with Rev. Cathy Kinsman officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Parkinson's Society. The family extends their sincere gratitude for the many acts of kindness, love and support. A special thank you to the staff at Kin Place Personal Care Home for their compassion and concern while Joyce was in their care. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2013