Obituary

Joyce Iris Penley

In Loving Memory of

Joyce Iris Penley

(Maiden: Pepper)
of Edmonton
Jul 20, 1925 - Jan 17, 2019

 

Joyce Iris Pepper was born on July 20th, 1925 in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. She died on January 17th, 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Douglas James Burton Penley. Joyce was the fourth child born to William Albert Pepper and Myrtle Florence Campbell. She is predeceased by all of her siblings: Albert, Eileen, Patricia, and Colleen.

In 1938, Joyces father died unexpectedly while curling in Melfort, SK. From age thirteen onwards, Joyce would help pay her own way by earning money babysitting and working as the town librarian. After graduating high school, Joyce became a telephone operator. She was transferred from Tisdale, SK to Prince Albert, SK. Next, she would get a supervisor position in Swift Current, SK.

Joyce moved to Regina, SK in the winter of 1949. In the summer of 1950 she ran into Douglas Penley, a man she had met in Swift Current. They began dating were married in the spring of 1951. "We decided and we got married quickly. I am sure everybody thought - there was an expression in those days, a shotgun wedding. But it was not. We did not have a child for two years." This was a happy marriage.

Until they were expecting their first child, Joyce continued to work at the head office for the Saskatchewan telephone operations. Doug and Joyce had two children: Deborah Jane (b. 1953) and Kim Douglas (b. 1955). Shortly after the birth of their son the family would move to Winnipeg because of a job transfer in Dougs work. Joyce often referred to this time in her life as being the most precious and wonderful.

In 1973, Doug would be transferred to Calgary, AB and this is where they remained for their retirement years. They enjoyed regular drives to Kananaskis country, where they would take walks and enjoy picnics. As well, they were active members of St. Andrews United Church. Other favourite pastimes included the Rosebud Theatre and The Calgary Stampede. After Dougs death in 1996, Joyce would continue an active life style with her participation in a seniors hiking club, playing bridge, and regular visits with family and friends.

In 2015, Joyce broke her hip forcing her to move to assisted living. The move from Calgary to Edmonton was made reluctantly, but allowed her to be close to her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It is Joyces wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation through their website at www.heartandstroke.ca