Obituary of Joy Prokopishyn

Joy (Dorothy Joyce) Prokopishyn, age 84, passed away peacefully April 2, 2023 after a long fight with Alzheimer's disease.  Joy was born August 7, 1938 in Bladworth, Saskatchewan to Nancy and Roland Lesley Lovatt.  Joy was the eldest to siblings Gladys Lovatt, Lee Cole, Lynn Pederson, and Ralph Lovatt.

Joy shared her life with Andy Prokopishyn for more than 50 years, and up until his passing in 2009.  Joy was a dedicated and wonderful mother to her three biological children RLee, Renee, Nicole and spouse Leeza, and honorary family member Nancy Cowenberg.  Joy will be deeply missed by all her children, sister Lee and brother Ralph, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends. 

Joy was a dedicated teacher and educator, lover of art and literature, and avid traveler.  Joy began her teaching career after completing her training at the Teachers College in Saskatoon.  She later returned to the University of Saskatchewan, receiving her Bachelors with High Honours in Education, with a minor in English literature; she was especially fond of Shakespeare's Complete Works.  She spent most of her career teaching elementary and pre-elementary children, whose lives were forever shaped by her expert teaching skills and generosity.  Summers were spent with family enjoying the cabins in Northern Saskatchewan, road trips to the Rocky Mountains, and gardening at home.  Joy loved to travel.  She was fortunate to experience many trips with Andy until his passing.  They especially loved winter getaways to Hawaii.  Joy continued her travel adventures with her children including road trips, cruises across the high seas with daughter Renee, and bus tours to exotic destinations.  When she wasn't traveling, Joy enjoyed singing in both the church choir and Saskatoon Choral Society.