May 24, 1940 - April 3, 2025
In loving memory ~
With heavy hearts we announce the passing away of Joyce Vanderkwaak on the morning of April 3, 2025.
Joyce was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Due to her family's breakup when she was eight years old, she was adopted by Simon and Hilda Viss at the age of ten. Her schooling took place in several states and resulted in college and training to be a psychiatric nurse. She worked as a nurse for a couple of years in Grand Rapids. Joyce married her husband in August, 1963, and they raised three sons. She is survived by her husband Joe, sons Steve (Sandra). Joel (Jeanette), and Rodger (Shawna) as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Joyce lived in a number of places throughout B.C. as her husband taught in several schools, moving back to Joe's home town in 1974 where he joined S.D.82. For. a few years, she worked as cook's helper at the old Home for the Aged. While living in Kitwanga, Joyce caught the quilting bug and became an ardent quilter, even running her own quilting group in her home's basement. Joyce loved the RV life and upon retirement, the couple crisscrossed North America several times and snow birded in the sunny southern states in winter. She served in five disaster relief groups as part of the team of cooks for the crews.
For over 61 years, Joyce was a wonderful help-meet for Joe and a caring, thoughtful mother for her sons. She enjoyed making new friends and often reached out to others who were in need.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at Ksyen Regional Hospital's ward A for the wonderful care Joyce received during her last days.
At her request, there will be no official funeral service. Rather, a private celebration of life will be planned for some future date.