JOYCE EILEEN MACKAY

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JOYCE EILEEN MACKAY

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce on August 28, 2023. Joyce was born April 3, 1931, in Hamiota, MB, to Margaret (nee Rothnie) and William Delbridge. After attending Oak River and Hamiota Schools, Joyce completed her formal education at Provincial Normal School (1949 – 1950) in Winnipeg. Joyce taught grades one to three at Alexander School for two years before marrying Melville (Mel) MacKay on August 13, 1952.



During their life together, they raised four sons and Joyce lovingly tended both her vegetable and flower gardens. With four sons and their friends, the flower gardens took many ‘hits’ and often required loving care and recovery time. In addition to her passion for flowers, Joyce enjoyed music, her Coffee Ladies, and tea parties with her ‘girls’, her much beloved granddaughters. She was an active community member and played the organ at Alexander United Church, was a UCW member and member of Eastern Star (1959 – 2002), and volunteered at both Hillcrest and Fairview Personal Care Homes.



Together with Mel, Joyce enjoyed many laughs with a group of friends, fondly known as the “River Rats”, in many activities at Dunn’s Island, Oak Lake and at each other’s homes.



In 1997, they sold their farm northwest of Alexander, moved to Brandon to a house designed by Joyce, and ‘farmed’ their large garden and yard, which was the envy of many. With Mel’s passing in 2015, she moved to Rotary Villas where she lived happily until shortly prior to her passing.



Joyce lived a full and happy life, was always extremely interested in her extended families’ activities and accomplishments, and was loved by all who knew her warm and caring personality.



Joyce was predeceased by husband Mel, son Brian, granddaughter Kelli, sister Muriel and nephew Craig. Joyce will be missed and lovingly remember by her sons: Rick (Merril), Brad (Glenda) and Gary; grandchildren: Ashley (Mike), Kyle (Laura), Lauren (Rob), Jason, Adam, Kyle (Melissa) and Trevon (Stephanie); great-grandchildren: Brian, Grace, Will and Abby, Harper and Leighton (and their mother, Erin), Hannah and Ardyn. She will also be lovingly remembered by sisters Donna and Wilma, in-laws Beth and Rollie (Carol), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.



With a smile on her face and a song in her heart, Joyce will be laid to rest with her loving husband, Mel, during a private family ceremony at Alexander Cemetery.



For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 02, 2023