In Loving Memory of Joyce Myrtle Balisky

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joyce Myrtle Balisky, who went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of 85, at Prairie Lake Hospice in Grande Prairie with her family lovingly at her side. In her final days, Joyce was very intentional about spending meaningful time with the people she loved, making space for family and friends who were so important to her.

Joyce was born on July 25, 1940, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and was raised in Wembley, Alberta, alongside her three siblings, Ray Stokke, Dale Stokke, and Sharon Norton.

From a young age, Joyce was active, competitive, and full of energy. Like her brothers, she was very athletic throughout her childhood and teenage years. As a teenager, she excelled in track and field, particularly in the 100-yard dash, where her speed and determination took her to a provincial championship. She also enjoyed playing softball and was a member of many softball teams over the years.

One of Joyce’s greatest and most enduring loves was her love of horses. That passion began when she was a youngster and remained a cherished part of her life, right through to her final days. Her passion for horses was woven into the lives of those around her, creating countless memories and becoming a special part of her family’s story. The horses she loved were more than simply a hobby; they brought her joy and became a meaningful connection shared across generations. As her own family grew, Joyce shared that love with her four children, becoming actively involved in many horse clubs and making countless memories around the world together.

One of the highlights for Joyce was riding in the parade each year with her young family. She took great pride in preparing for the occasion, often riding one of her favourite horses while dressed in a matching outfit, complete with a customized bridle and saddle. These annual parades were more than just an event—they were treasured family traditions that brought Joyce tremendous joy and gave her memories she carried throughout her life.

Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Dan Balisky, and by her children and their families: her oldest son, Brent Balisky and his wife, Laura, and their son, Matthew Balisky and his wife, Atlas; her daughter, Cheryl Schindel and her husband, Greg; and her son, Dean. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Dayna Venditello and her husband, Brad, and Del-Lainey Everest and her husband, Braedyn, and her great-grandchildren, Londyn-Joy and Aspyn.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved son, Lance, who passed away in 1992. His memory remained a cherished part of her life and heart.

Joyce’s faith and her love for Christ were central to her life, and they became especially significant to her in her later years. Her faith was a source of comfort, strength, and hope. She treasured the friendships she made through her church and her women’s Bible study, where she found both fellowship and unwavering encouragement.

Her love for others, her faith, and the relationships she nurtured throughout her life will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Joyce leaves behind a lifetime of love, family traditions, friendships, adventures, and memories. She will be remembered for her spirited nature, her athletic determination, her deep love of horses, and most of all, her devotion to her family.

Her family will forever cherish the many years they shared with her—the rides, the parades, the horses, the laughter, and the countless moments that made their lives richer simply because Joyce was a part of them. Forever loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed.

The funeral service for Joyce Balisky will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at People’s Church in Grande Prairie (11850-108th St.), with lunch and refreshments to follow.

If wishing to honour Joyce’s legacy, memorial donations may be made to PARDS – Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (https://www.pards.ca/ways-to-give/).