Obituary of Joyce Elfner

September 6, 1920 – Didsbury, Alberta
November 4, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Jeannette “Joyce” Elfner (nee Cummins), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2021, at the age of 101 years.

Joyce was born on a rural homestead and grew up in Didsbury, where she excelled in school. In the fall of 1940, she was recruited to work at the newly established Unemployment Insurance Commission in Ottawa. After successive promotions she was ultimately transferred to Calgary towards the end of the Second World War, where she worked as a placement officer to returning Canadian Armed Forces personnel. 

In 1946, she married Donald G. Elfner, an army veteran who received his engineering degree at the University of Alberta. In 1950, he rejoined the Canadian Army and she supported him over the next eighteen years during several postings throughout Central and Western Canada. During this time, she raised two children, Adrienne Jo born in 1947, and Donald John born in 1952.

She was an accomplished homemaker who enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking, and entertaining. She was masterful at storytelling and enjoyed discussing world events and politics. She took great delight in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Adrienne, and son Donald (Maureen Williams); her grandchildren, Cameron Dickinson (Sarah), Christopher Richard Hazen, Adam Elfner (Nicola), and Beverly Elfner; great-granddaughters, Aliena Dickinson, and Emma Joyce Elfner; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Major D.G. Elfner, RCE; her parents, John H.P. Cummins and Johanna Deenik; her sisters, Ellie Devolin Sackett, and Bette Wilson; her brothers, William, Earl, Jack, and Lloyd Cummins; and her daughter-in-law Billie Elfner.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to The Canadian Lung Association, 502-885 Meadowlands Drive Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 3N2, https://www.lung.ca/.

In living memory of Joyce Elfner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.