Joyce Evelyn Gardner

Our Aunt, Joyce Gardner passed away at Riverview Health Centre at the lovely age of 100 years old.

Joyce was born & raised in Winnipeg, to parents Lilian & Frank Gardner who immigrated to Canada in 1919 from London, England. They settled in Winnipeg as a young family – sisters Peggy, Doris & brother Tom grew up a close-knit family in Winnipeg, a family value passed to future generations of nieces, nephews & cousins – many of whom, over 100 years later, carry on with traditions of backyard family reunions & cross-country visits.

Joyce was a “working woman”, most notably for the City of Winnipeg, making lifelong friendships along the way, many of whom became her fun-loving travel companions. It was not uncommon to receive a post card from Joyce from Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean or Europe. Shopping trips to Grand Forks & Fargo were always a highlight. As the nieces & nephews (and the “greats”) grew up & travelled off to all points North, East, South & West, all sent post cards to “Auntie Joycie” – knowing the sense of pride she would have as we all set out on our own adventures in life.

Aunt Joyce was an enthusiastic guest at all of our weddings, birthday parties & special occasions from coast to coast, usually with the latest camera in tow – snapping photos, making & sharing memories with everyone. She never missed sending a birthday card & her Christmas card was usually the first one you received in your mailbox each year. At big family dinners Joyce’s “rich, smooth, creamy gravy” was infamous! She had season tickets to the Manitoba Theatre Centre for over 25 years, a night out with friends she always enjoyed. In later years, Joyce especially looked forward to her weeks at the Lake in Ontario with her niece & nephew Diane, Bruce & her brother Tom. As she slowed down, which wasn’t until she was well into her 90’s, reading, listening to CJOB and doing crosswords were her hobbies, always enjoying when family would take the time to give her a call, or stop by for a visit & have a cup of tea.

We all admired Aunt Joyce for her longevity and her sheer will to maintain her independence. She was independently living in her suite, right up until 2019, when at 98 years old, Joyce moved out of her apartment in the Weston area into Riverview Health Centre. Making the transition from independent living to the care of Riverview was difficult for Joyce – she loved her little apartment filled with memories of her parents, her sisters & brother, their families & all of her travels. However, she settled into her new routine at Riverview, never once complaining, always grateful for the care she received. The family are especially grateful for the caregivers at Riverview CD-1, especially during the pandemic when visitor restrictions didn’t allow for us to support Joyce in the way we all wished we could.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents Frank & Lilian Gardner and her sisters Peggy Winberg & Doris Stedman. She is survived by her brother Tom Gardner in Toronto, and a great many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joyce Gardner’s life will be held at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. on Saturday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, a donation may be made in Joyce’s name to a charity of one’s choice.