Obituary of Joyce Marlene POLLOCK

January 5, 1946 – Herbert, Saskatchewan
March 20, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Joyce Pollock beloved wife of Al Pollock of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the age of 75 years. 

Joyce was born in Herbert Saskatchewan in 1946 to Dorothy and Leonard Shaw.  She, along with brothers, Ken and Larry were raised on a farm south of Morse, SK. 

In 1964 her first child, Jackie was born in Herbert, SK.  During the early years of marriage, Joyce and Al moved throughout Saskatchewan focusing on family and Al’s career. In Outlook, SK, their family was completed with Melanie’s birth (1969) and Trevor’s (1971). 

In 1974 the family moved to Tofield, AB where Joyce was a devoted homemaker and mother. In these years she taught Sunday school, was a Girl Guides Leader, and later played fastball, curled, skied, golfed and played bridge, which became a life-long joy and passion.   

In 1977 she was able to pursue her own education, excelling in academic achievements at NAIT, where she obtained the Queen Elizabeth Award for academic achievement and the Louise McKinney Scholarship. She then furthered her education with a B.ED from University of Alberta in1984. Her first teaching position was at Bev Facey Composite High School where she taught Beauty Culture. 

Moving to Strathmore in 1986 opened another chapter in her life, where again she formed many amazing friendships through work, curling, golf, church and again her beloved bridge.  Her teaching career continued in 1986 at Strathmore’s Young Offender Centre.  She then moved to Samuel Crowther Middle School in 1989 teaching Grade 7. In 1995 she completed her Diploma in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Guidance. Prior to retiring in 2000, she was the Guidance Counsellor at Samuel Crowther Middle School. 

Joyce was fortunate to have had good health for the first twelve years of retirement and some of the best years of her life. Designing and building their cabin at Lake Windermere became her next passion and soon became a place for family and friends to visit.  Joyce excelled at creating a welcoming environment. During these years, Joyce and Al traveled extensively in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean, often with their close friends and family, something that Joyce had always wanted to do.  Most importantly, she devoted a great deal of time to her relationships with her grandchildren, each of whom has his/her own very special and unique relationship with their beloved Gramma!  

As Joyce’s world became smaller during the last few years, the joy in her life came from bridge, church, friendships and family.  She had many bridge friends and was an executive member of The South Calgary Bridge Club, Calgary’s oldest club. She read extensively on the art of the game and was always consulted as to ‘correct conventions’ when playing with friends.   Her last and loyal opponent was Al who always did his best to set her! The friendships she cultivated over the years were true and strong until the end. In these last years, these friends were supportive, encouraging and inspiring. Their regular communication, outings, flowers, dinners and get togethers were always so appreciated. To the end her family, came first as she watched her grandkids play ball, hockey, ringette, soccer, and basketball.  She relished hosting family dinners with her extended family. And, to her joy her puppy, Bear, joined the family and was her loving and loyal friend to the end. Finally, in Joyce’s own words from a memoir she was working on prior to passing, “I have come to realize that we all have a choice about how we perceive things.  No one has a perfect life; I have had lots of highs and lows, good times and bad. I also have regrets.  But I choose to remember the good times and forgive myself and others for the times that were not so good.  I choose to accept my fate and try to live my life with kindness, love and acceptance.  I try to count my blessings and be grateful for the storied life I have lived.” 

Left to mourn her death are her husband Al Pollock, daughter Melanie Golder (Kevin), son Trevor (Kelli); four grandchildren, Katie Golder, Aimee Golder; Shayla Pollock and Jayce Pollock; brothers, Ken (Merle), Larry (Teresa); sister-in-law Marg (Leonard), brother-in-law Bob and several nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by parents Leonard and Dorothy in (1965), and her eldest daughter, Jacqueline (1986). 

A private service will be held. For those who are unable to attend, a recording of the service will be posted (see below) on Saturday, March 27, 2021 by 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Branch of the Myeloma Society,   
https://www.southernalbertamyeloma.ca/donate

On behalf of Joyce’s family we would like to sincerely thank Red Deer Lake United Church for its unwavering support - as well as the staff from Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Foothills Medical Centre for their kindness, caring and attention to the many needs of our family. 

In living memory of Joyce Pollock, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.