Obituary of Joyce Mary Palmyre Hrynkiw

April 1, 1937 – Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

May 19, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary “Joyce” Palmyre Hrynkiw (nee Cote), on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at South Health Campus, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 87 years.

Joyce was born on April 1, 1937, in Meadow Lake, SK, to Urlic and Gertrude Cote. She was the tenth daughter in the family. Later, Veron was born (finally a boy for Grandpa) making a total of eleven children until Ron was adopted into the family. Joyce graduated from Timberland High School in 1956 and soon headed to Calgary to study, graduating from the Calgary General Hospital Registered Nursing School, in 1958. When Edward “Ed” Hrynkiw was new to Calgary, he was introduced to Joyce. She was quickly charmed by his good looks and fondly remembered the delicious pork chops he made on one of their first dates. They had a wedding and then started a family, with Barbara being born on January 11, 1960, Brenda on January 21, 1963, and Bonnie on January 20, 1964. Joyce spent 35 years providing care and comfort to countless patients. Joyce was known for her kindness and compassionate nature. She loved gardening, creating beautiful flower arrangements, walking the cherished family dogs, and helping Ed set up and assist with numerous garage sales.

One of Joyce’s most memorable vacations was when she and Ed visited Bonnie and James Krall, and grandchildren, Cara, Keely, and Josclen, in Toronto, ON. Joyce also applied for her first passport at the age of 81 and set sail for an Alaska Cruise with Barbara. She loved the line dancing, scenery, food, and the shows. She had many holidays in Saskatchewan and Manitoba visiting relatives and relaxing at the lake, fishing and sometimes taking the passenger train through the mountains to Burnaby, BC.

Joyce was predeceased by her daughter Brenda Hrynkiw, her husband Ed Hrynkiw, all of her Cote Family, many brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve Hrynkiw, Michael Hrynkiw, and Mary Twerdoclib; and her beloved dogs, Rusty and Sparks.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Barbara Collette, Bonnie Krall and her husband James Krall; grandchildren, Cara, Josclen, Keely Krall, Jean Azaransky, Stella Wilmont, and Donnie Hrynkiw; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt gratitude goes to Auntie Betty Hryciw, who was and is a constant source of love and support; always there for BBQs, birthdays, funerals, sewing projects, and visiting. Thank you to our family friend Alma Eamer for all her hard work, compassion, and kindness in Joyce’s care. We also extend our gratitude to Karen Carson for her dedication and for making Joyce laugh, and to Brenda Hrynkiw and Brian Klaver for helping Joyce and Ed move to Acadia, where they could enjoy their last home. To the staff at McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence, Mayfair Care Centre, and South Health Campus; thank you for your kindness and compassion on Joyce’s journey.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Hrynkiw's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Joyce’s family here.

In living memory of Joyce Hrynkiw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Joyce's Funeral Service