Joyce Stangeland

Joyce Stangeland left this world peacefully January 18, 2026 in The Pas, Manitoba, at St. Paul's Personal Care Home surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born in Limerick, Saskatchewan on July 15, 1930, to the late Winnifred and Thomas MacKay. Joyce had one sister, Helen. Her family eventually settled in Northern Ontario, namely Atikokan and then Emo. Joyce moved to Fort Frances, Ontario at age 17 to pursue a nursing diploma and start her nursing career. 

It was while working as a nurse that she met her soulmate, Ron. On November 30, 1948, they got married and a few years later welcomed their three children into the world; Kevin, Rance, and Melanie. Joyce gave up her nursing career and embraced the opportunity to become a stay-at-home mom until all her children were in school.

Ron, Joyce, and the kids eventually settled in The Pas, Manitoba in 1970. Joyce loved travelling and she looked forward to camping trips every summer. As she especially loved the mountains, her favourite road trips were to Alberta and BC. She was thrilled to be able to travel with her granddaughter Avere to Prince Edward Island, a trip she never forgot! 

Although Joyce had a job outside the home, when her children were older, her biggest joys were being a wife, homemaker, mother, and later grandmother. Her happiness exploded when her grandchildren arrived and she loved every minute that she got to spend with them. 

She loved planting her flowers in the spring and being outdoors enjoying the warm seasons, however it was not unusual to see her shovelling snow in the winter months. She loved meeting people of all walks of life and everyone she met became her friend. She loved all animals and spent many years volunteering at the first animal shelter in town. She personally rescued countless dogs and cats, including her own pets.

Ron and Joyce were active members of the Lutheran church. Joyce had a strong faith and believed passionately in the power of prayer.   

Joyce was a loving, selfless person who always thought of others and helped absolutely anyone in need. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Left to cherish Joyce's memory are her three children: Kevin (Betty), Rance (Giselle), and Melanie. Her grandchildren; Avere, Shea (David), Sabrina (Brian), Breydon (Stephanie), Amara (Daniel) and her precious great-granddaughter Adelaide, as well as many special friends. 

Joyce was preceded by her husband of 69 years Ron, parents Winnifred and Thomas, sister Helen, many uncles, aunts, cousins, as well as many of her dear friends that she made over the years.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joyce to The Pas and Area Animal Shelter and/or The Pas Cats and Kittens would be greatly appreciated

In keeping with family wishes cremation will take place and a graveside service will be held in the summer.