Joyce Marie Dyrda, resident of Rycroft, AB, formally of Vernon, BC, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, in Spirit River, AB, at the age of 75 years.

Joyce was born in Sexsmith, AB, on May 23, 1946. She lived in Eaglesham, AB, with her parents William Lee Childers and Agnes (Childers) Kozuback and her brother Clifford Childers.

She worked at Courtesy Corner as a waitress and cook in Rycroft for many years. She then worked for Harry Hartley in Rycroft Hotel, and PK’s confectionary in Spirit River. Once she moved to Vernon, she worked in a senior’s residence until she retired. Through the years, Joyce loved to bake and was known for baking for the farmers market in Rycroft; she got quite the raving review for her Nanaimo bars. She enjoyed relaxing with a puzzle in front of her, or long walks in nature. In retirement she volunteered with the homeless shelter thrift store in Vernon. She will be sadly missed by her mother Agnes Kozuback; children: Bonnie Dyrda, Dennis (Linda) Dyrda, and Angie Smoley; as well as grandchildren: Chelsea Dyrda, Nevada Dyrda, Keilan Smoley, and Kaden Smoley.

She was predeceased by her father William Lee Childers, brother Clifford Wayne Childers, and sister Bonnie Lee Childers.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on, Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 1:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie. Due to Covid restrictions, the service will be an invitation-only.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Joyce’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

Memorial donations may be made to Central Peace Health Auxiliary Club (P.O. Box 886, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0), or to STARS (10911 123 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7Z3).