Joyce Darlene George

It is with great sadness that we announce that Joyce Darlene George (nee Has) passed away with family at her side on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Battlefords District Care Centre just 2 days shy of her 89th birthday.

Joyce was predeceased by her one and only love, Jeep, 34 years ago.  She was also predeceased by her parents,Bill & Mabel Has, brother Bill Has, in laws David and Khatoon George, Jeep's siblings and their spouses and Jeep's special cousin Nina Backus.

Joyce will be forever held in the hearts of her family,

Joan (Larry )Grozell, David, Quinn (Hazel) and Bennett Grozell,

Judith (Murray) Stewart, Mitchell (Sarah) Sadie, Lily and Sam Stewart, Hilary Stewart,

David (Janet) George, Michael George (Nicole Hanna) Jagr, Azalea, and Layla,

Brittany George (Cody Danberg) Georgia and Gray,

Don (Christine) George,  Aaron George, Shelby George, Autumn and Ellie,

sister Elaine Kalawarny, sister-in-law Verna Has, special young friend Tyler Beatch and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was born and raised in Sutherland where she attended Sutherland School and City Park Collegiate before moving to North Battleford to train as a psychiatric nurse at the Saskatchewan  Hospital.  Joyce met the love of her life when he literally “picked her up” in front of the nurses residence – she was waiting for a taxi and he was the taxi driver!

She knew immediately that he was the one. They were married 2 years later and within 3 ½  years their family of 2 had grown to 5 … Joan, Judith and David. Don was born in 1959 completing the George Family.

Joyce had an innate musical ability and as a youngster growing up in  the 30s she took piano lessons and was very active in her church and school choirs often performing solos and duets.  Her love for music and performing was lifelong.

Joyce gave back to her community by volunteering for numerous organizations. After she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia she became an ardent advocate taking on the roll of provincial president and newsletter editor ( she was often the main contributor) She worked hard to build the organization and remove the stigma which often came along with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Cancer, M.S., Big Sisters, Connaught Home & School, the Presbyterian Church, and the Battlefords North West Historical Society were just some of the organizations that were benefactors of her time and energy. She really enjoyed working on different historical projects … writing 2 small books on local history. She was also the family historian gathering information for the family tree long before Ancestry. The Fibromyalgia slowed her down but it never stopped her from working on something that she loved.

Joyce loved the lake and for many years she would pack up the kids and head out to Meota to spend at least two weeks leaving Jeep at home to tend the garden which was another one of her pride and joys. He  would come out  during the week and on  weekends.  In 1966 they bought a cottage in Cochin and that became her summer home for 50 years.  She loved just BEING at the lake...berry picking, beach time, visiting with the neighbours were just bonuses...

Throughout the years Joyce had many hobbies which included sewing, crocheting, millinery, embroidery, needlepoint.  She loved doing crafts entering craft shows with her pressed  flower notepaper and pictures. For years you couldn't open a book without a pressed flower floating out... they were everywhere!

The minute she met Jeep she became a hardcore hockey fan and his most ardent supporter. During the Beaver Bruin days she  did everything from selling program advertising, to manning the front office  for the first 2 periods on game day after which  she took her seat and became the teams Number 1 (and loudest) Fan! 

When Jeep joined the New York Rangers in 1969  she helped him with his reports, packed his suitcase, polished his shoes (sometimes) and just generally kept the homefires burning!

After Jeep passed away she took a brief hiatus from hockey focusing on volunteering and the Presbyterian church choir but once the grandkids started playing  the rink was again her second home.

Family and friends were of utmost importance to Joyce.  She was always thrilled at others successes and would offer congratulations with a great big hug!

Joyce was very proud of her children and grandchildren extolling all their accomplishments in her yearly Christmas letter.

Joyce's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff on Ward 4 at Battlefords District Care Centre for their compassionate care in her final days.  They accepted her as she was enjoying her silliness and even encouraging it.

A Celebration of Joyce's life will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Third Avenue United Church with Reverend Fred Tinio officiating.

Memorial donations in memory of Joyce George may be directed to Arthritis Society (re: Fibromyalgia) 2 - 706 Duchess St. Saskatoon, S7K 0R3 or the Battlefords North West Historical Society P.O. Box 2065  Battleford S0M 0E0

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium