Obituary of Joyce Mitchell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Rowena Mitchell (Mayo) at Dinsdale Personal Care Home in Brandon on January 20, 2025 at the age of 84 years with her three daughters by her side, letting her know it was OK to go. Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her four daughters Penny, Heather (George), Cindy and Darlene (Scott); four grandchildren Dimitri, Katarina, Kristy and Kelly; four great-grandchildren; sisters Marilyn, Betty (Bill) and Sharon (Mike) as well as brother-in-law Bruce (Bonnie). Joyce was predeceased by her first husband Allan Mayo, second husband Earl Mitchell and granddaughter Samantha. Joyce was born in Souris, MB to James and Amy Garden on September 30, 1940. She grew up on the family farm with her brother and three sisters. She also had 17 step siblings. Joyce attended school, completing grade 9. She later moved to Brandon where she met Allan Mayo and the two were married on December 21, 1957. Together they had four daughters and were married for almost 50 years. Joyce was a loving, caring person who always worked in jobs that involved her looking after people. She worked for 20 years at the International Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide and as a cook. Other jobs afterward involved working as a sitter for clients in their homes and in the hospital. Joyce adored her grandchildren and spent many hours babysitting and spending time with them. She loved playing cards and bingo, and enjoyed knitting, making us all many gifts. After Allan passed away Joyce did some travelling with her daughters, taking a cruise to Alaska for her 70^th birthday, as well as trips to Las Vegas and South Dakota. After Allan passed away Joyce lived on her own for a few years until she met a new love interest. Earl Mitchell was a kind and generous man who loved mom and took wonderful care of her. They travelled together to Hawaii and to the Maritimes. It was a late in life love story which was unexpected and Earl made Joyce very happy. During Covid Joyce fell and broke her hip and spent many tough months in the hospital. Sadly she was not able to return home and was eventually placed in a care home. Earl passed away shortly afterwards. Since then Joyce has resided in Dinsdale Personal Care Home where she was well loved and cared for. We like to think that when Joyce passed on she got up from her wheelchair and walked on to  meet everyone she loved and has missed, and is now happy and without pain. A graveside service for Joyce will be held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.  Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.