Obituary of Joyce Beverley Mitchelmore

Joyce Beverley Mitchelmore

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Mitchelmore on March 9 2023 at Luther Special Care Home.   Joyce is survived by her loving daughters Debbie (Murray) and Judy, sister Denise Merkle and many nieces and nephews.  She loved and adored her 6 grandchildren Trevor (Connie), Greg (Deidre), Kris (Jen), Kurtis (Joanne), Brett (Nicole), Amanda (Garrett) and 13 great-grandchildren Carson, Ryan, Kayla, MacKenzie, Jackson, Mya, Ava, Lucie, Michael, Leo, Lexie, Lars and Hannah. 

Joyce was predeceased by her devoted husband Gerald, daughter Tara, parents Lyle and Sadie Cowan, brother Dennis, brother-in-Law (Bob Merkle), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold (Edith), Ron (Betty), Bill (Ann), Bobby (Phyllis) and Wayne (Sharyn) Mitchelmore.

Joyce was born and raised in Saskatoon and met Gerald at her first job at the Dairy Pool.  They were married for 68 years.  It brought them immense pleasure to watch their family grow over the years.

Joyce and Gerald cherished all their dogs – Sam, Sasha, Keasha, Sheena and Allie.  They spent many hours playing, walking and caring for them, which was a great source of joy to them.

Joyce’s passion was flowers. She worked at Flowers by Mary, Millar’s Flowers and Safeway flowers until retirement.  Joyce was very creative.  She made beautiful arrangements and sand art for their home as well as for family and friends.  She created individual scrap books for her great grandchildren.   Joyce loved working in the yard with Gerald planting flowers and a vegetable garden, which is where they spent their summers; unless they were driving to Okotoks to see their daughters Tara, Debbie and grandkids or Bowden for the cherished family weekends at Bowden family campsite. 

Joyce loved curling and participated in many bonspiels.  She loved playing crib with Gerald in their backyard under their evergreen tree next to the garden.  Joyce loved to cook with Gerald’s help.  She made world class perogies (known as Nanny’s perogies), cabbage rolls, rouladen and borsch.  There are so many special memories of family BBQs.  They always started with beer and juice on their deck.  They were filled with great conversations and laughs.   They generously offered their time and expertise to paint many of their family members’ homes and were always willing to help with any yard projects.

They took their children and grandchildren to Disneyland; a memory family will treasure.  They loved their winter vacations at Bill and Anne’s home in Mesa, Arizona and were true snowbirds.  Their dogs were their travelling buddies.  Joyce often talked of Pete and Doreen Baran and the great vacations with them.  Her favorite place was San Simeon, California.  Joyce and Gerald enjoyed several trips to Kelowna with Denise and Bob to visit their parents.  They had great memories staying at their favorite bed and breakfast.

Special thank you to Teresa Schmautz for all the many wonderful treats and meals she provided for Joyce, your kindness meant a lot to her. 

Joyce will be remembered as a strong, loving, kind, and gentle soul.  Joyce (Nanny BaNanny) you will be deeply missed and will be forever in our hearts.  Rest in peace now Joyce. 

The family would especially like to thank all the staff at Luther Special Care Home for their care, compassion, guidance and for providing spectacular care to Joyce in her last year. 

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Luther Special Care Home or SPCA. To share memories or condolences, please visit Joyce’s tribute/obituary page at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are in care of SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME. (306) 244-5577