Obituary of Joyce Margaret McConnell

Joyce was born April 25, 1933 in Birch Hills, SK to Einar and Isabella Braaten. Her passing occured on May 9, 2012. Joyce was born the second child joining her brother Elmer and was followed by Grace and Carol. Her school years were spent in Birch Hills and Weldon. After grade 10 Joyce spent a summers doing housework and then was hired on as a telephone operator in Tisdale. Joyce married Robert Granrude in 1952 and had four children; Allan, Nancy, David, and Cindy. In 1959, Bob and Joyce divorced, Joyce and her kids moved to Glaslyn to live with her parents. In 1962 Joyce married Bill McConnell, and moved to the farm, their son, Todd was born in 1963. For the next thirty years, tough times and good times were spent on the farm. There was always food on the table and a smile on Joyce's face. They spent time visiting neighbors, going to dances, and curling. When Todd was born Joyce got her first car, she loved to drive and as the kids got older, Joyce drove them to any activities they were involved in. Every summer Joyce raised chickens; with the help of neighbors & her family they would process them in the fall. A huge operation, and with the great help, good times were had by all. In 1991 Todd bought the farm and in 1995, Joyce and Bill traded their farm house for Todd's house in Glaslyn. Joyce was on the board for the Glaslyn Heritage Centre, secretary for the bowling league and the Glaslyn housing authority. Joyce loved to bowl and spent many hours volunteering at the bowling alley. Spending time and visiting with family and friends was important to Joyce. She loved to help and volunteered her time, lending a hand whenever she could. Joyce and Bill's home and yard was always kept neat and well-manicured as Joyce loved to do the work herself and enjoyed the results. Their house was the official gathering place for family and friends. They spent countless hours of visiting and a house full of laughter meant everything to Joyce. From a well decorated house at Christmas, the large turkey at Thanksgiving, for the gathering of family and friends, the more the merrier, these times filled Joyce's heart with love. Joyce was a great woman that loved her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren endlessly, treasured her time with all her family and friends. She will be greatly missed, and her memories cherished forever. She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving husband of 50 years, William "Bill", her children: Allan Granrude, Nancy (Mike) Cadrain, Cindy (Wayne) Zubiak, Todd McConnell, Her grandchildren: Deanna (Darrin) Zubiak, and children, Ryder and Natalie; Tara (Dan) Thiessen, and daughter, Amber; Angie (Jesse) Clifford, and children, Owen and Seth; Erin (Ryan) Gobolos, and daughter, Amelia; Amie Zubiak, Shaun McConnell, Chayse McConnell, Draden McConnell. Joyce also leaves to treasure her memory her siblings: Elmer (Chris) Braaten, Grace (George) Pawliw, Carol (Bill) and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is predeceased by: her son, David Granrude in 2003 and her parents, Einar and Isabella Braaten. Joyce's Funeral Service took place Monday, May 14th, 2012 ~ 2:00 pm from the Community Hall in Glaslyn, Sk. Her Final Resting Place is by her son in the Glaslyn Cemetery. Memorial Donations in Joyce's memory may be made to the Donor's Choice. Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. Delores Beaulac entrusted with arrangements.