Joyce Weber

Joyce Weber (nee Carter)

(November 23, 1939-February 13, 2013)

With family at her side, Joyce Weber, cherished wife, mother, grandparent, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on February 13, 2013, at age 73.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, Donald (Don) of Portage la Prairie, five children, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Paula Smith (Steven) of Rochester, Minnesota (Matthew, Lauren, Curtis); Daniel, Coquitlam, British Columbia (Luke, Brenna); Roy, White Rock British Columbia (Stephen, Amber and son, Cordell, Edward and Robert), Howard (Fiona) of Oregon City, Oregon (Emma, Ava), and Shelly Labossiere (Daniel) of Winnipeg, (Brett, Ashlan). Joyce has two surviving siblings, brothers Edward Carter (Myrna) of Moose Jaw, Sask., and Donald Carter (Donna) of Red Deer, Alberta and was predeceased by her parents and a sister.

Joyce Eleanor was born November, 23, 1939 in Moose Jaw, Sask., to Roy and Emma Carter and was raised on the family farm at Mortlach, Sask. Joyce attended Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Sask., where she met Don, who became her husband of 53 years. Don and Joyce were married Sept. 17, 1959 in Moose Jaw, Sask., and spent the early years of their marriage in Flin Flon, Manitoba where four of their five children were born. They then moved to the Abbotsford, British Columbia area where they were blessed with their fifth child.

Don and Joyce made their way back to the Prairies, moving to Benson, Sask., then to Poplar Point, Manitoba in 1981. Joyce worked at the Popular Point General Store for several years, until she became employed at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage, where she spent the next 16 years caring for the residents, providing comfort to the aged and vulnerable. Joyce will be remembered for her giving spirit and empathetic heart. Joyce spoke fondly of the residents and staff that she worked with at "the manor" and recalled those years as some of the most significant and enjoyable of her life. Joyce considered being of service to others as one of her greatest gifts and responsibilities, as well as one of her greatest rewards.

Joyce was especially drawn to caring for persons in the palliative phase of life. Upon retirement from the Lions Prairie Manor, Joyce spent the next two years working in home care in the Portage community after which time she retired on a permanent basis.

Throughout her life, Joyce found enjoyment in gardening, sewing, music, and reading. She found joy in the simple things of life; her family, cherished friends, writing letters to her grandchildren, and the beauty of Nature. She loved the colors of the changing seasons, and watching her flower garden blooming new and fresh each year. Joyce lived her life simply and with sincerity; thinking of others and providing a positive example in all she did.

Funeral Mass and a celebration of Joyce's life will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Sunday, February 17, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to Sunset Palliative Care, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2 or to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave.E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OK8 or a cancer care program of one's choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com