Obituary of JOYCE PATRICIA BABIUK

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JOYCE PATRICIA BABIUK
(nee TWEDDELL)
October 6, 1932 - May 9, 2021

Suddenly, but peacefully, Joyce passed away at the Grace Hospital in the arms of her sons, Alan, Randy, and daughter-in-law Cindy.

Joyce was born on the Mary and Wilson Tweddell homestead in Fisher Branch, the youngest of eight siblings who have all predeceased her. Her life was a hard one, as farm life was hard work and money was scarce. However, she always described her childhood as fun and she enjoyed many adventures with her siblings making the best of what they had.

Upon completing grade 12, Joyce moved to Winnipeg, attended business college and obtained her secretarial diploma. She worked at Royal Trust for many years. During that time she met Bill Babiuk on a blind date with a friend. Bill would become her one and only love.

They were married on June 16, 1962, then moved to Domain where they farmed alongside Bill's brother and family. A few years later they moved to a farm just outside of Teulon that Joyce's relatives had once owned. Along with being busy raising their two boys, Randy and Al, Joyce helped Bill tirelessly with farm duties, gardening, canning, berry picking, yard and housework, all the while working outside the home. She also always made time for the family pets, especially her curly little Tootsie, a dog that was her "baby" and constant companion for just under 20 years. They would remain on the farm for many years, until Bill's untimely and sudden passing in 1986. Joyce remained on the farm after Bill's passing for four years. She then moved into the town of Teulon. She fittingly purchased a home beside St. Cyprian's Anglican Church. Fitting because her Christian faith was strong and her "Church Family" meant the world to her. Rummage sales, bake sales, suppers, vestry committee member, you name it, Joyce was part of it. While residing on the farm, Joyce had furthered her education and worked her entire life at the Teulon hospital. She worked in many departments, retiring at age 65 from the lab and x-ray department, having made many lasting friendships.

Following retirement, Joyce moved to an apartment in Winnipeg. There, she enjoyed going to the mall, volunteering at St. Joseph's Residence and Seven Oaks Hospital, lunches with family and friends, and participating in all family events. She did not like to be idle. She joined St. Anne's Anglican Church (now St. Francis) and once again participated in all events and made more long-lasting treasured friendships that expanded her beloved "Church Family". Joyce also loved to travel. Trips included Disneyworld with her sons and sister Alice, Europe with sister Alice, Hawaii with niece Judith, and Palm Springs with Cindy and Al, and Cindy's mom, Joyce's dear friend Eleanor. She also enjoyed trips to BC to visit niece Gail and family and Cindy's sister and brother-in-law Wendy and Mark. A die-hard Blue Jays fan, she went to Toronto with Al to see some games. She was also a fan of the Jets, the Bombers, and the Goldeyes and attended their games as well. There were also day trips back to Teulon (she especially loved the Canada Day celebrations). Most recently Joyce travelled to Las Vegas for great-nephew Mike and Katia's wedding.

Joyce suffered a serious brain aneurysm in 1999 that resulted in her moving into St. Joseph's Residence Personal Care Home. She resided there for five years. With their excellent care, and constant love and support of family and friends, she achieved her "claim to fame" - she had recovered so well that she was able to prove the medical world wrong by moving out to once again live independently. Strength, resilience, and a determination like no other was in Joyce's genetic make-up. She resided for approximately 10 years at her apartment on the grounds of Fred Douglas Lodge. Once again she volunteered there, made countless friends with residents and staff, shopped, lunched, and stayed heavily involved in her church while ALWAYS participating in ALL family events.

Just over three years ago, she suffered a stroke and required admission to a personal care home again. Pembina Place became her new home. Joyce was very familiar with staff and the surroundings from many visits to her sister Alice, a resident there for almost 10 years before her passing in 2017. Pembina Place management, unit staff, recreation programs, rehab, spiritual programming, and the overall environment were nothing short of exceptional. Dietary, housekeeping, maintenance, volunteers, and reception also contributed immensely to Joyce's quality of life. Everyone always went above and beyond for her. Not enough can be said to ALL of you to fully express the feelings of love, safety and security you provide 24 hours a day to other people's loved ones.
Joyce leaves to mourn her son Al (Cindy), son Randy, brother and sister-in-law Pete and Dorothy, brother-in-law Tommy, and sister-in-law Millie. She leaves countless nieces and nephews and their families who she cherished as her own. Joyce also has a great number of friends, made through the years and through her many activities, that will miss her. We extend our sincerest appreciation to the nieces and nephews for always remembering and staying close with Auntie Joyce by way of phone calls, letters, pictures and, of course, cherished visits. To her niece Donna and nephew Larry, we are eternally grateful for your never-ending devotion to Joyce - weekly visits, barbecues, fish fries, pool parties, weddings, birthdays and all family celebrations. Auntie was always included, brought and escorted home without fail, not to mention all the assistance and support during the moves, hospitalizations, and helping with anything she needed. (We couldn't have done it without all of you.)

Mom recently shared with us that she was very thankful she had lived a good life. She said she was always happy and content, and loved us all!

We will end with Mom's favourite scripture:

I have fought the good fight
I have finished the race
I have kept the faith

Mom has been cremated. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main St. 

If anyone wishes to, donations can be made to: Pembina Place Recreation Department; St. Francis Anglican Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

Rest In Peace Mom, give Dad a hug for us and know your memory will always be cherished.

 

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