Helen JOYCE Pelham (nee Linkletter)
Sept 15, 1926 – Dec 30, 2020
Pelham, Helen ‘Joyce’, of Calgary (formerly of Vulcan), peacefully passed away at Bow View Manor on December 30, 2020 at the age of 94 years.
The second child of Harry and Flossie Linkletter, Joyce was raised on a mixed farming operation near Summerside, Prince Edward Island, that included dairy cattle, hay, grain and potatoes.
Early days, more often than not, found Joyce assisting her brothers with chores in and around the dairy cows and horses. She often reminisced about accompanying her father to go cut down a tree for Christmas with a horse drawn sleigh. Despite a lifetime display of gentleness she somehow collected the nickname of ‘Spitfire’ in her school days. From our later observation we can only think that it related to her tenacity to get things done.
Forging her own path, Joyce graduated from the PEI Hospital School of Nursing (1949) and ventured west to the prairies. After a short stint at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton, she met her love, Ron Pelham, while taking courses at Alberta Bible College in Calgary. Married in 1952 they relocated to Wrentham, Alberta and welcomed Eric into their family. Back to Calgary in 1954 where Ron finished College and Joyce worked at the Calgary General Hospital until 1958. After a memorable tenure in Hillsburgh, ON the family, now including Blake, moved to Vulcan.
Joyce joined the nursing staff at the Vulcan General Hospital in 1962 and subsequently held the position of Director of Nursing from 1968 until her retirement in 1985. As with all things she undertook, Joyce approached her nursing obligation with a quiet, purposeful, unwavering devotion. She loved her work, her patients and the many staff she had the privilege to serve with. Upon retirement she enjoyed many rewarding years volunteering with the Vulcan Healthcare Auxiliary.
A dedicated member of the Central Church of Christ in Vulcan, Joyce worked alongside Ron in fulfilling many roles, the most of which was her involvement in the Candlelight Circle, where she had the pleasure to work with many dedicated members to support the Church and the community.
Joyce’s gentle, patient demeanor and strong work ethic was ever present as she and Ron partnered in raising a family and contributing to the community. After Ron’s sudden passing in 1992, Joyce persevered and in due course acquired her driver’s licence, subsequently buying her first car, a Honda Accord, in 2000.
Joyce loved the opportunity to return to PEI in the summers to spend time with her family. In addition to her parents, Joyce cherished the time with her sister Dorothy, brothers and sisters-in-law Leigh (Doris) and Garth (Mary), along with her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She also enjoyed visiting her Nursing School Alumnae.
Joyce was especially proud to have two wonderful daughters-in-law in Coreen and Barb. She dearly loved her grandchildren Jennifer, Marika, J.T. (John), & Peyton.
Joyce was blessed with wonderful friends and co-workers. The family would like to thank all the people that went out of their way to support our Mom after Dad’s passing. Vulcan and surrounding area – You are the best!
Our gratitude is extended to the staff at Peter Dawson Lodge for making Mom’s stay so enjoyable. We would like to thank Dr. Len Wade, and all the staff at the Vulcan Hospital when Mom became ill in 2012. Thank you to Wendy Shearer for your council and coordination in the long term care planning.
We would especially like to thank all of the Staff at Bow View Manor for 8 years of wonderful and loving care that was provided to Joyce. As well we thank Dr. Venita Ramanna and Dr. David Todd for their concern and oversight for Joyce while in long term care. Also a special thanks to Analy Rosete for everything.
Joyce is survived by her brother Garth (Mary) and sister-in-law Doris (Leigh – deceased), and brother-in-law Bill (Priscilla – deceased) Pelham. Also Eric & Barb, Marika and J.T. (John); Blake & Coreen, Jennifer and Peyton, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Joyce’s kindness and consideration for all will be missed.
As a result of the current COVID restrictions, it is the families’ intention to hold a memorial at a future time.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Joyce with a memorial donation may consider: Central Church of Christ Vulcan, Box 484, Vulcan, Alberta T0L 2B0 https://www.vulcanchurchofchrist.com OR Vulcan Healthcare Auxiliary, Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 http://vulcanhealthcareauxiliary.ca/how-to-donate.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I feel very fortunate to have known her. She was a brave woman to leave her home in the east and travel so many miles to discover a new life. Thank you for sharing her with all of us and allowing us to be uplifted by her beautiful spirit. Our condolences to each member of your family. Linda Lambert and Family
Eric, Blake and families I was very saddened to read of your mom’s recent passing. She was a very special lady. My parents, Jim and Jean Reath, so enjoyed spending time with your parents. I know that Jim would want to express his sincere condolences…and Blake, please know that your visit to Jim meant so much to him. I suspect he will soon be joining that lovely group of friends from church and I can well imagine what a party that will be!
I am so sorry to learn of Joyce’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Eric, Blake and families
Judy and I were sad to hear of Joyce’s passing. She and your Dad were so supportive of Judy and I and our son who cleared snow for Mrs Terley and the County. The county snow clearing was supervised by your Dad and our son was clearly taken with the mentoring of both your folks.
Joyce contributed a great deal of time and compassion to all of her endeavours in the community and in her life. A great lady!
Tom and Judy Roberts
Sincere condolences on your loss of your Mom. She hired me for my first job in nursing in Vulcan. She was a kind, quiet, professional and patient lady who worked a long time for the community of Vulcan in many different roles
Sincerely
Laurie Mehlhaff
So very sorry to hear this sad news. I recall a conversation with Joyce many years ago where we discussed our lives here on Earth. Joyce was most sincere in saying she wanted her life to be useful.
She certainly fulfilled that desire in so many ways. Her biggest impact here in Vulcan was her nursing career, she was a kind caring nurse at some of the worst time in our lives.
God Bless you Eric & Blake & your family.
Thanks, Velda for the kind remarks. Last Saturday we were able to have a small family service, followed by interment beside dad. Not quite the celebration we would prefer but all we could do under the current restrictions.
Thanks again.
Dear Eric, Blake & families,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful Mother. She was such a breath of fresh air and was always doing so much to make every occasion a memorable experience. She will be missed so much by all or you. Many lovely memories of her and your family.
We have the fondest memories of this kind and professional lady, Joyce Pelham. We enjoyed many visits in Vulcan in the company of her family, Ron, Eric and Blake. What was always evident was the mutual respect this family had for each other. She was an example for all of us,
Blake Pelham
5:52 PM (3 minutes ago)
to me
Thank you, Ray and Ingrid.
Although Covid limitations of 10 makes things challenging, a special family service was held at the church in Vulcan. She was laid to rest in the joint plot with dad. When we exited the church with the casket we were overwhelmed by friends who were outside across the street. They were standing by their vehicles waiting to pay their respect and honour mom.
You were special friends, and mom and dad always enjoyed your time together! Also thanks for the many kind words at dad’s service. We express our gratitude for your note, friendship and support.
Eric and Blake
To Eric, Blake & Families
Our condolences on the passing of your Mom.
I have fond memories of your Mom & Dad and remember visiting them at the church in Hillsburgh. We visited your family in Alberta sometime in the eighties but unfortunately lost touch over the years. We lived on the farm across the road from your grandparents Harry & Flossie and have many great memories to cherish. I am still in touch with your Uncle Garth and Aunt Mary and visited with Leigh and Doris a couple of years ago. Sadly Leigh has since passed away.
Our Sympathies from Gordon Linkletter and family
Thanks for the kind remarks.
Mom’s visits to the Island were the highlight of her year. She always cherished visits from family as it was important for her to maintain those connections.
Blake and I were blessed to join in and have fond memories of visiting PEI in the summers, including hanging out with all the cousins including Roy and Dean who were a little closer in age.
It was unfortunate that we couldn’t celebrate Mom and Leigh’s lives on a grander scale.
It is with a heavy heart that I hear of Joyce’s passing. Condolences to all, family and friends. She was truly a wonderful woman. By chance encounter, met Joyce back in 78 at the Vulcan Hospital. I woke up to see this amazing woman’s warm face looking down at me. The first word out of my mouth was, Dorothy? This shocked Joyce as Dorothy was her late sisters name. Through a spur of questions, we not only learned that we were both from Prince Edward Island, but that Joyce’s brother Leigh was my uncle through marriage. I stayed in touch with this amazing woman over the years. Never forgetting our chance encounter or the loving care she gave me while under her watch. God bless you Dorothy. Although it saddens me to hear of your passing, it warms my heart to know that you are back in Ron’s arms.
Thanks, Ron.
I had forgotten about that connection, great to be reminded of special moments in mom’s life. It is tough to lose mom and Leigh in such a short time, without the opportunity to celebrate their lives on a grander scale.
Thanks again for the kind words.
Eric & Blake
I feel compelled to add my own condolences to Joyce and Ron’s family….. Though I left my hometown of Vulcan in 1965, my parents (Margaret & Louis Shaw) kept me connected with the community throughout their lives and Ron and Joyce were pillars of that Vulcan community for years. There are so many things that I connect with in your obituary of your mother. Summerside, PEI and Hillsburgh, ON are places that I visit a lot. Len Wade and Wendy Shearer were immensely helpful when my parents faced their inevitable decision to pull away from the community that had sustained them for many, many decades. I commend you on your beautiful description of your mother’s life and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to share Vulcan with you as my place of origin. We have a common background that is not only unique but disappearing quickly. We must continue to celebrate that.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Ted Shaw
Thanks, Ted
Even though mom has been away from Vulcan for several years the response from her friends and community has been memorable. After the service at the church, many friends stood out on the street beside their cars to acknowledge and pay their respect to mom. Just one of the many displays by church and community that make Vulcan a special place. We also talked with friends and family in both Hillsburgh and Summerside over the last few days and were able to share some special memories.
Eric, I left Vulcan 56 years ago, but my parents stayed there for many years and I was always surprised when I visited and ran into people I still knew. I follow closely the Vulcan obits and no one that I’ve seen has replied individually to every personal comment. Your message is very much appreciated! Thank you.
My sincere sympathy goes out to the family of Joyce Pelham on the sad news of her passing! She and husband Ron made such a great team, and were an important part of the town and the County of Vulcan for many years! Joyce was an exceptional nurse and I will always remember her for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and friendly professionalism. A very attractive lady, she was always so well dressed and groomed be it at her work station or out in the community! Joyce made time for everyone, and will long be remembered with great fondness by all who knew her! Marvin Maronda of Lomond.
Thank you for your kind words.
Mom and Dad were very proud to call Vulcan home and to contribute in many ways. It brought them great pleasure and provided a special bond with the community.
Mom’s career at the Vulcan General Hospital was especially important to her and full of lasting relationships and memories.
Eric & Blake
Eric, Blake and families,
Condolences on the loss of mom she was a wonderful lady! I’m certain your dad was there with open arms to welcome her home.
Charlotte, Marshall, Val & Ron Lucas
Thanks for your kind remarks.
We were blessed to have a small but special service at the church on Saturday, a place where both of them served with great pride. There were several of her close friends respectfully waiting outside the church beside their cars to acknowledge and honour her!
Very special and meaningful to our family!
Eric and Blake