On April 24th, 2025, our mother Joyce Nelson died nine days before her 95th birthday. Joyce was born on May 3, 1930, in Trochu Alberta to Geneva and John Dundas. She had three older sisters and two younger brothers and loved her growing years on the family farm.

Joyce attended a small country school for her early grades but moved to the big city of Red Deer to matriculate from high school. She went on to attend Normal School at the University of Alberta and began teaching right away and continued to do so until she started her own family. Joyce was a natural born teacher, and she continued to teach in different capacities as her family grew. She began an impromptu kindergarten for me when my big brother went to school. She was Brown Owl for my Brownie Troop and continued in this job long after I flew up to Guides. In high school we all benefited from her editing skills.

When her youngest son was in junior high, Joyce went back to school. She completed her B.Ed. at University of Lethbridge in 1977 and soon was teaching again at John Davidson Elementary School in Coaldale, where she remained for many years. When Joyce retired, she became a tireless member of the UCW at McKillop United Church where our parents had been member since 1967.

Joyce is survived by her children Mark Nelson, Cheryl (Douglas) Schmitt, and Grant (Dorothy) Nelson; grandsons James Schmitt, Corey Schmitt, Ryan Schmitt and Calvin Nelson will never forget their Grandma Joyce; her brother, Wayne Dundas remembers her too. Her kindness and care for the people she loved will not be forgotten.

Joyce was predeceased by our father, Gordon Nelson after 51 years of marriage, and he is in our thoughts at this time.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025, AT MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 15 AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.

A private interment will be held prior.

Thanks to all the people who looked after Joyce at Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice are welcomed.