Obituary of Joyce Church

Joyce Vernell Church of Camrose passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the age of 90 years. Mom was born August 21, 1926 in Wausa, Nebraska, the fifth child of ten to Wallace and Ethel Lindberg. She was "carried" to Canada when she was six months old. Her parents settled in the Camrose area where she lived her entire life. Mom attended New Salem School from grades one to eight and then went to Camrose High School followed by Mount Royal College in Calgary where she took a physical education course. On November 24, 1950 Joyce married Leonard. They eventually settled on their farm south of Camrose where they raised their family of four…Carol, Rodney, Martha and Ann. The family was active in the Camrose Fair, 4-H, Daresbury Community, Old Timers Association and were members of Bethel Lutheran Church. Upon moving, Mom enjoyed various activities in Camrose including floor curling, bowling, and walking the trails around Mirror Lake. Mom is lovingly remembered by her children: Carol Malmas, Rodney Church (Carol), Martha Zimmer (David), and Ann Church. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Shamin Malmas (Andy Melson); Sean Malmas (Paul Tolnai); Kathleen Bradford (Craig), James, Mel; Tara Connelly (Shane), Brycen, Jacob, Charlotte; Stephanie Amstutz (David), Emerson Dallas; Amanda Zimmer (Carl Zelensky), Everett, Chloe, Abigail; Shauna Felzien (Jason), Caleb, Marcus; Sarah Buchholz(Nicholas), Ella; Larissa McNabb (Bobby); Corbin Carey; Alex Carey... and two more great-grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by her siblings: Roxanne Buskas (Nels), Rodney Lindberg (Eileen), Carol Lindballe (Frank), Margaret Hermanson (George), brother-in-law Jack Walters and many nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband Leonard in 1987, son-in-law Bruce Malmas in 2009, three brothers, and two sisters. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her smile, her confidence, her optimism, strong will, and love and admiration for her family. We will also remember her for the drawer of dishcloths and hand-crafted colorful knit socks. Mom handled her life well, accepting change as she aged gracefully. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from Bethel Lutheran Church with Rev. Debora Ann Taylor officiating. If family and friends desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Spinal Muscular Atrophy B.C. Chapter (103 - 7134 Vedder Rd. Chilliwack, BC V2R 4G4), St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care, Hospice Society of Camrose and District, or to the charity of one's choice.