Eileen Joyal

Our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother was born Thursday, June 7, 1923 in Vandura, Saskatchewan to Tom and Martha Smith. June was the youngest of three children. The family lived in Vandura until 1929 when they moved to Wawota, Saskatchewan where they lived for seven years. After Wawota the family moved to The Pas, which was to become June’s home for the next 80 years. June’s parents started and operated The Pas Dairy. A cow at that time was worth 10 dollars and milk was worth 0.10 cents a quart. June had a favourite pet goat, which was called Nanny, who followed her everywhere. When June was finished school she took a business course. Her first job was working for Scott National Fruit. In 1942 she met the love of her life, Claude Joyal at a house party. She was there with another date. By the end of the night Claude had not only taught her the “proper” way to chop wood he had also stolen her heart. In 1942, Claude joined the Canadian Navy. He came back to The Pas in 1944 and while on leave married his sweetheart on November 4th. They then moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland until Claude’s discharge from the Navy in 1945. They then returned to The Pas. June and Claude enjoyed life to its fullest. They enjoyed getting together with family and friends and doing a lot of dancing and carrying on. June and Claude were wonderful dancers together and many enjoyed watching them. They had four children, Don, Miki, Gary and Renee. Claude and June found and purchased a lot at Clearwater Lake in 1963. Over a number of years they built their summer home. They enjoyed many summer and some winter trips to their cabin. They loved to host parties and get-togethers for many friends and family. June belonged to the Royal Purple and CWL. She was a star pitcher for the ball team, the Trotters and was an avid curler for many years. She loved to knit and crochet for her children and grandchildren. June was first a mother and homemaker however she did work for CNR, Wagner’s Jewellers, Shirl’s Boutique and Gateway Drugs. Family and friends were very important to June. Very special events for June was their 50th, 60th and remarkably, 70th wedding anniversary, all celebrated with their family and friends. In later years when June’s mobility decreased, she enjoyed the company of family visits and loved looking back at photos of her life. June passed away peacefully Thursday, October 20, 2016, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, at 93 years of age. June will be lovingly remembered by her children, Donald (Kathy) Joyal, Penny and Bobby; Michelle (Robert) Martin, Troy, Trevor and Dawn; Gary (Kathy) Joyal, Jeff, Jackie, Doug, Chris, Ginger, and Daniel; Renee (Daniel) Castonguay, Riki and Houston; twelve great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter and sister-in-law Elsie Smith. June was predeceased by her husband, Claude Joyal; parents Tom and Martha Smith; brother Edward; sister Blanche Stewart (Gil); granddaughter Jillian Joyal; and great grandchildren Hillary Renee Parsons, Braden Fuller-Joyal. Prayers and visitation were held Tuesday, October 25, 2016, 7:00 pm, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba. Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, October 26, 2016, 2:00 pm, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba, with Rev. Paul Bringleson presiding. Music Ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg, Ginger and Jackie Joyal. Scripture readings were proclaimed by Jeff Joyal and Houston Parsons. Memories of the heart were shared by Miki Martin and Renee Parsons. Pallbearers were grandsons Tyler, Troy, Dan, Chris, Jeff and Doug. Immediately following the service, a reception was held at the Guy Hall for family and friends. In keeping with family wishes, cremation will follow and a private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Pas Health Complex Foundation, Inc., Memorial Fund, Box 541, The Pas, MB, R9A 1K5, St. Anthony’s Hospital Auxiliary, c/o Box 240, The Pas, MB, R9A 1K4, or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #19, Box 478, The Pas, MB, R9A 1K6, would be appreciated by June’s family.