Obituary of Joyce Audrey Stefanko

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Audrey Stefanko (Weston) of Winnipeg, MB. on January 1, 2023. She passed away peacefully of natural causes at the St. Boniface Hospital. Joyce was born in Winnipeg on December the 12, 1938. She is pre-deceased by her Mother Mary Weston, siblings Ronald (Ronnie) Weston, Clarence Weston, Ilene (Carpenter) and Marjorie (Welling). She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Alex Stefanko, sons Wayne (Darlene), Bradley (Marrnie) and Glenn (Corinne). Grandchildren Ryan (Tara), Phillip (Andrea), Trevor , Alexander (and special friend, Jessica). Great grandchildren, Cohen, Mason, Aila and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Mom grew up from humble beginnings in the north end of Winnipeg where she attended grade school. She met the love of her life Alex at the age of 16. They were friends and later Alex courted her for 3 years and married in September of 1958. Mom (or Gram as she was affectionately nick named) loved music & dancing and would often attend the canteens on the weekends. One of her favorite songs was “In The Mood” by the Glenn Miller Orchestra which she attended a live performance of in March 2022 at the Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall. Some of her other favorite artists were Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Engelbert Humperdinck, Johnny Cash and especially the music of her grandson Alexander. Mom stayed at home while the three children were very young. She was an excellent cook; making great home cooked meals, authentic Ukrainian dishes & pastries. As the three boys got a little older she started working part time in the evenings. A few years later she landed the perfect full time job with the City of Winnipeg where she managed the concessions for three arenas. On her own schedule she worked from home, the arenas and city Recreation office. Mom & Dad travelled to Greece in 1979 as Dad had won the trip in a sales contest. Other vacation trips included Hawaii, Florida, Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, vacationing for a month at a time, Saskatoon SK. and many camping trips to Detroit Lakes, Grand Forks & Fargo. Mom and Dad purchased a cottage at Halcyon Cove in 1990 where they enjoyed their summer home next to the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Mom was a very social person and loved a good party. She enjoyed coming over for Christmas, birthdays, festive occasions and a Sunday dinner or summer BBQ, sitting on the deck over looking the back yard and Eagle creek. In Mom’s later years she developed some health issues. She spent most of her time at home venturing out for occasional family visits and doctors appointments. Mom was easy to talk to and always very supportive. She was the rock and held her family very close to her heart. She will be dearly missed until we see each other once again in heaven. A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2023. Additional details will be communicated to family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of the Concordia and St. Boniface hospitals for their care of Mom during her final weeks. A donation can be made in her memory to the Concordia Foundation or the St. Boniface Foundation. Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.