Joyce Schurko (nee Pott)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, and friend to many.  Joyce passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023 at Boundary Trails with her immediate family by her side.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband Marvin of 63 years; her 2 sons, Calvin (Dianne) Schurko, and Randy (Marlene) Schurko, her daughter, Sandra Pappel, her son-in-law Corney Dyck, 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Henry and Ada Pott, her brothers Charles and Allan Pott, her sister Janet Malmas, her daughter Brenda, her son-in-law Glen, and her great grandson, Carter.

Joyce was born on February 18, 1935 in Vita, Manitoba. She grew up in Roseau River on the family farm and attended school at Plankey Plains. She later moved to Winnipeg to work for Paulin Chambers Candy Factory. Mom loved to dance and that is where she met Marvin while going to the Paterson’s Barn Dances.  Mom and Dad got married in 1959 and lived in Winnipeg for a few years before moving to Marvin’s family farm in Zbaraz MB. In 1970, they moved again, back to Mom’s home town in Roseau River where together they built a new home on her parents family farm, settled down, and raised their 4 children.  Mom enjoyed hobby farming; with her cows, greenhouse and vegetable garden she kept very busy which helped feed the family, while Dad worked in Winnipeg. Mom also worked for Kackenhoff Nurseries Ltd. and the Stuartburn Hog Barns in her later years.

Mom’s biggest passion in life was her gardening and flowers. If Mom was not attending to the cattle, you could find her in the vegetable garden or one of her many flower beds. Although much smaller than in the past, she still had a garden and was already planning this year’s plantings.  Mom really enjoyed square  dancing, and was an active member of a dance club for many years. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting making many useful items for family and friends over the years. Mom was an excellent cook, and no matter how many people showed up for supper, no one ever left hungry. She was a active curler, enjoyed card games, horseshoes, board games and of course BINGO!!  Mom also like traveling; especially on her gambling bus tours with her close friends.

Mom did a lot of community work with the Roseau River Park, the Roseau River Busy Beavers 4-H Club, the Woodmore WI and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The family would like to thank the Emerson and Dominion City 1^st Responders and the Boundary Trails Doctors and Nurses for providing comfort and dignity to Mom in her final hours.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenridge United Church with ash interment to follow at the Greenridge Cemetery.  Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Friday, May 26 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.