Joyce Ann Birch passed away surrounded by her loving family April 27, 2011 at Vulcan, Alberta at the age of 74 years.
Joyce was born on May 29, 1936 Calgary, Alberta to John and Agnes “Nan” Black. Her early years were spent on the family dairy farm. She grew up learning the values of family, work and honesty. She was involved in the Bearspaw 4-H Club and showing her Ayrshire project. Her 4-H highlight was going to Toronto as part of the Alberta judging team and winning. After high school she attended secretarial school and then working in the Calgary District Agricultural Office.
Joyce met Bill Birch, a Saskatchewan farm boy, and they were married on February 8th, 1958 in Calgary. They moved to Vulcan in the fall of 1963; first to town, then eventually to their own farm north of Vulcan.
Joyce was kept very busy through the years with running the Vulcan A.I. Unit, mail runs, farming, raising purebred Brown Swiss cattle, working at the Vulcan Legion and Stedman’s store. Joyce volunteered in many different organizations and projects over the years. The main ones were the Ladies Auxiliary and the Legion which she was president for many years.
Joyce is survived by two daughters Nancy (Ken) Neufeld and Diane (BJ) Smith, two sons Stewart (Verna) Birch and Ron (Carol) Birch, thirteen grandchildren: Karen Vissers, Kyle Vissers (Alanna Zelisko), Crystal (Aaron) Grant, Stephanie Neufeld, William, Rachel and Gregory Smith, Dani and Brad McKenna, Aaron, Ross, Gail and Owen Birch; seven great-grandchildren: Brody, Ayden and Damian Grant, Curtis Neufeld, Alissa McKenna, Peyton Bartel and Jessica Moore; three sisters Barbara (Eddie) Barkley, Beth (Frank) Eedy and Pat (Dave) Buckler, Aunt Blanche Saville, sister in-law Helen (Russ) Purdy and Isabel Birch, brother in-law Don Wigton, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband Bill Birch in 1985, parents John and Agnes (Nan) Black, son in-law Peter Vissers, special friend Dayton Williams, sister Shelia Wigton, brother and sister in-law Dave and Clara Black and brother in-law Garnet Birch.
Memorial Service Tuesday May 3, 2011 at 1:30 pm at Vulcan Royal Canadian Legion Hall. Inurnment followed at Vulcan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire tributes in Joyce’s memory can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #21, Box 175, Vulcan T0L 2B0 or Alberta Cancer Foundation 1331-20 St. NW, Calgary T2N 4N2.
Arrangement in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 403-485-2633. Email condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca
Derrick and I send you our heartfelt wishes and hugs. Joyce was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed a visit with her whenever I saw her. She is a light that will keep shining on.