Obituary of Joyce "Joey" Thomas

Joyce, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away on December 13, 2012 in the Daysland Hospital surrounded by her family and friends at the age of 69. Joey, as she was known to friends and family, was born October 8, 1943 in the Killam Hospital. She was the fourth child born to William and Margaret Sunderman. Joyce grew up on a farm four miles east of Heisler with her four siblings Bev (Mary) Sunderman, Willa (Delford) Pierce, Peggy (Ron) Badry, and Bill (Betty) Sunderman. On November 4, 1961, Joyce married Calvin Thomas of Killam. They lived in Bawlf for eight years and had three children Brenda Thomas, Deanna (Elmer) Horton, and Kevin (Joanne). They then moved to an acreage half a mile west of Spring Lake Church, where they had another child Trevor (Jennifer). In 1975 Joyce and Calvin moved the family to a farm six miles east of Heisler. There, they raised the family until they moved to Daysland in 1989. In 1985, Joyce started working in the Killam Auxiliary. She worked there for twelve years. Half way through her twelfth year she started to work in Daysland at the Hospital in the Assisted Living ward. This then became Providence Place. Joyce worked there until she retired in 2011. Joyce loved her job. She enjoyed spending time with, and taking care of people. She was liked by all and everyone she worked with was always well taken care of. Joyce was predeceased by her parents William and Margaret; Sylvester Sunderman (half brother); Matthew and Helena Thomas (in laws); and Edward Thomas (brother in law). She is survived by her husband; four children; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers; two sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. A prayer vigil was held on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 7:30pm., from Our Lady of The Prairies Roman Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 11:00am., from Our Lady of The Prairies Roman Catholic Church in Daysland with Rev. Leon Kler as celebrant. Interment followed in the Daysland Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to STARS, or the The Daysland Cemetery Fund.