Joey was adopted at the age of four into a Catholic family and enjoyed a happy childhood that included time spent living at RCAF Station Penhold. There, she made fond memories of engaging in youthful mischief, much to her parents’ consternation.

Joey married Brian Maki at 17, and although their paths later diverged, they were blessed with four sons. Later in life, Joey met and married George Shields, and her family grew to include four more children.

Joey worked for the Association for the Mentally Handicapped and later with George at Rentco Equipment. She operated both Parties Galore and Jojo’s Smile Factory. Later, she opened and ran Heartwarmer’s Cafe. She was passionate about helping those less fortunate and in need in the community, donating both time and resources to organizations like The Festival of Trees, the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre, Odyssey House, and many others. As well, Joey took her position of ‘Grandma Joey’ very seriously.

Joey was predeceased by her parents, John ‘Jack’ and Alma Lafay; her husband, George Shields; and daughter-in-law Tamara Gaetz.

She is survived by her son, Barry, and his son, Colton; her son, Mike, and his children, Angela, Nova, Jeremy, and Ethan, and their mother, Joanne; her son, Chris (Sheri), and their children, Alura and Dillon; her son, Jason (Colleen), and their children, Keira, Emma, Chase, and Hazel; her stepson, Craig (Betty), and his children, Arianna and Katherine; her stepdaughter, Shannon (Karl), and their children, Jessica and Nicole; her stepdaughter, Joan (Wade), and their daughter, Daisy; and her stepson, Drew (Pam), and their children Tyson, Merin, and George. Joey is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Adonis, Sadie, Shiloh, Saphira, Trinity, Aspen, Heathlan, Max, Rayna, Jackson, and Alice; her sister, Danielle ‘Danny’ Lafay; and her brother, Gary Lafay, as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends.

At Joey’s request, there will be no public service. Joey courageously battled rheumatoid arthritis for many years. In acknowledgement of her struggle, please consider making a donation to Arthritis Society Canada (https://arthritis.ca/) in lieu of flowers.