Obituary of Joyce Bergseth

Joyce Eileen Bergseth (nee Shaw), age 81, passed away at the Medicine Hat Hospital on May 11, 2021. Joyce was born in Hardisty, Alberta on November 9, 1939 and is survived by her children, Rick Bergseth (Trish), Dennis Bergseth (Jan), and Terrina Proudfoot (Scott); 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rhona Overbo, Alice Jones (Bob), and Lorna Shaw; sister-in-law, Patti Sparrow; and sister in her heart, Irene Pfeffel. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Hazel Shaw; sisters, Joan Shaw, Edith Jensen, and Blanche Jones; and brothers, Clifford Shaw and George Shaw. Joyce grew up on her parent’s farm north of Lougheed and once married moved a few miles south where she lived and raised a family. Joyce did not shy away from hard work all of her life - milking cows early in the morning, taking care of young children amidst chores, and harvesting late into the evening. In addition to farming, Joyce was well known for her beautiful yard filled with hundreds of meticulously cared for flowers and bountiful vegetable and fruit gardens that she shared with family and friends. Joyce loved nature and understood the ups and downs of farming and the cycle of life. In her retirement years, she spent time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren creating lasting memories through enjoying the simple things – nature walks, eating ice cream on a park bench, and playing games together. Joyce thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings and reunions and was known for being the first one to come and the last one to leave. Joyce was a faithful member of St. Johns Anglican Church in Sedgewick all of her life and she contributed in whatever capacity she could – making countless cakes and sandwiches for church events and during the summer months ensuring that flowers from her garden adorned the church altar. Joyce was a kind, caring, and a thoughtful friend. She volunteered for many years at the Good as New thrift shop and delivering Meals on Wheels in Sedgewick. Joyce was always first to support friends and family doing whatever she could by lending a helping hand. Six years ago, her own health issues required her to move to Medicine Hat. Joyce dealt with this change as she always did, with fortitude, grace, determination, and quiet acceptance. We have many treasured memories to hold in our hearts and our lives are richer because of her. Kind hearts are the garden. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deeds are the fruits. -John Ruskin- The family of Joyce Bergseth would like to invite friends and neighbours to join us Sunday August 8, 2021 at 2:30 pm at St John's Anglican Church Hall, for a light luncheon. A gathering to share memories of our mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Donations in memory of Joyce Bergseth may be made to a charity of donor’s choice or to the following: Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation (memo - dialysis unit) 666-5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6 www.ourhealthfoundation.ca Kidney Foundation of Canada Southern Alberta Branch, 6007-1A Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2H 0G5 kidney.ca