It is with immense grief that we announce the passing of our precious mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joyce Lorrette Pratt, on June 7th, 2024, in Didsbury, Alberta, at 86 years of age.
Joyce enjoyed being active in her community, most notably in recent years with the Lioness Club in Torrington, where she and her husband Jack lived for many years. Along with Jack, she was a long-time member of the Olds Calico Capers Square Dance Club, and through their shared love of country music, attended the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose for 25 consecutive years. Joyce loved spending time with her family, travelling, camping, gardening, knitting and reading. She was incredibly kind and caring to all who knew her. You always knew there would be tons of laughter and fun when she was present.
Left to mourn Joyce’s passing are her children Darlene (Marcello), Gail (Larry), Connie, Allen (Norma), Anne (Larry), and Verna, her brother Jimmy Donnelly, sisters Linda Vachon and Hazel Rouleau, grandchildren Shane, Lisa (Steve), Ryan, Cody (Jessica), Jordan (Kattie), Tyler (Brooklyn) and Evan, and her great grandchildren Liam, Riley, Aidan, Ella, Ava and Wesley.
Joyce was predeceased by husbands Harvey Buckell and Jack Pratt, her parents Charles and Violet Donnelly, brothers Lloyd Newton and Billy Donnelly, and her sister Velma Landry.
The family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of the Aspen Ridge Lodge in Didsbury for taking incredible care of Joyce over the past six years, and to the staff at the Didsbury Hospital for the exceptional care and attention she received in her final days.
Joyce’s family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Didsbury Elks Hall (1914 20 Street, Didsbury, AB) to celebrate her life and legacy. Light refreshments and sandwiches will be available.
