Obituary of Joyce Shockey

Joyce (Jo) Shockey peacefully passed away on January 29,2016 at Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community. Joyce was born in the Milden area on September 19,1932 to parents Katherine and Richard Olver. She was the youngest of eight children and had a childhood full of adventure and laughing. As a child she lived in the communities of Milden, Swanson, Donovan, Valley Park, Pike Lake and Vanscoy. She married Verne Shockey on December 23, 1952. They farmed at Vanscoy for most of their lives and had four children, Dale, Earl, Valerie and Richard. The most difficult time in Joyce's life was when they lost Earl in 1961. On the farm, Mom worked hard. She had a huge garden and preserved food enough to last a winter. They raised mostly beef and chickens. Mom also helped with harvest by driving a grain truck. In the community of Vanscoy she served on many committees and organizations, coached softball and volunteered for many years at the Opportunity Shop in Saskatoon. Her parents also lived in Vanscoy and so Joyce spent a lot of time with them making sure her parents were looked after. She was also a very active supporter of her children's and grandchildren's activities and lives. Joyce and Verne have sat for thousands of hours watching softball, basketball, hockey and football. Joyce loved when her brothers and sisters came for a visit. They always enjoyed each other's company and laughter would fill the house. Joyce and Verne went on many trips starting with a trip to Hawaii for their 25th Anniversary. Joyce loved traveling, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Joyce was independent, determined and loyal. She loved deeply and was devoted to her husband Verne for 63 years. Joyce had strong opinions about how people should be treated. She had a soft spot for people who were disadvantaged or discriminated against. She was a feminist before there was the word. She believed all people should treated justly and with compassion and this resulted in her doing volunteer work for organizations like the United Church and the NDP . In November of 2014, Joyce and Verne moved from the town of Vanscoy into Saskatoon, eventually ending up at Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community ( Brightwater). Joyce loved it there and made many new friends. She will be remembered as a strong, loving person who was quick to laugh. She was a remarkable daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma and friend. And she will be dearly missed.