Obituary of Joyce Marilyn CHRISTENSEN

Christensen Joyce (nee: Berg) 1945 - 2010 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joyce Christensen announce her sudden passing on April 7, 2010 at the age of 65 years. Joyce is survived by her loving husband Harold Christensen of Canwood, SK; and her daughter Michelle (Evan Millham) Christensen of Saskatoon, SK, and their daughter Taylor; her mother Ethel Berg of Canwood, SK; her sister Marlene (Clifford)Birkland of Estherhazy, SK; her brother Jim (Ellen) Berg of Canwood, SK; her sisters in-law Darlene Berg of Canwood, SK; and Fern Fenske of Saskatoon, SK; her brothers in-law Lawrence (MaryAnn) Christensen of Abbotsford, B.C.; and Bruce (Cheryl) Christensen of Fort St. John, B.C.; her aunt Violet Berg of Shellbrook, SK; Joyce was predeceased by her father Trygve Berg; her brother Arnie Berg and numerous aunts and uncles. The Funeral Service for Joyce took place on April 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church in Canwood, SK with Pastor Doug Schmirler as officiant. The eulogy was read by Jim Berg , followed by John Veltkamp sharing memories of Joyce, Pastor Doug Schmirler performed a solo and David Hjertaas was the organist. Tammy Yourkowski had a slide presentation and the pallbearers were Evan Millham, Michael Berg, Lawrence Christensen, Clifford Birkland, Sheldon Birkland and Stephen Bather. The private family interment was in the Canwood North Cemetery. Joyce being a New Year's baby was born on January 1st, 1945. After graduating high school, Joyce attended business college in Prince Albert, SK, and upon completion entered the work force. In June 1966 she married her high school sweetheart Harold Christensen, this was to become a lifelong partnership. In July 1969 their daughter Michelle was born, one of the major highlights of Joyce's life. The bond that these two would come to share is what we can only call the epitome of a mother daughter relationship. Joyce's next highlight came along in March of 2000 when her granddaughter Taylor was born and instantly became a major part of Joyce's life. Joyce and Harold moved back to Canwood, SK, between 2002 and 2003 where they would enjoy a slower less hectic life. Although faced with health issues in her life, Joyce was definitely a "glass half full" type of individual. Joyce had a passion for life, and whether it was work or play or something in between, she would dive right in and give 110% of herself until every last detail was perfect. Although Joyce was not personally involved in sports per say, you couldn't be around the Christensen household without getting involved in cheering for your favorite person or sports team. Joyce's very favorite activity by far would have to be camping, it didn't matter whether it was in their first tent or in one of the motor homes they had over the years; her absolute favorite part was sitting in front of a campfire. Many excursions to various lakes across Canada and numerous trips to the States were the focal point of stories and cherished memories. It is impossible for us to sum up Joyce's life in a few paragraphs, it hardly scratches the surface of what was Joyce's life and the type of person she came to be. Words come to mind, such as strength, patience, excellence, considerate, supportive, unassuming and too many more to list. See you later Joyce, you will be sadly missed by all those whose lives you touched. Memorial donations in Joyce's memory may be sent to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Project.