Olive Joyce Theresa (Hamel) Logan was born on December 28, 1928 to George and Clara Hamel at Prelate, SK. She was a sister to Donald, Cecile and Merle.
She had a very rough early life with mastoiditis of the (left) ear, leaving her partially deaf. Osteomyelitis of her lower (right) leg left her in crutches for a full year. She very much wanted to be a nurse but due to health reasons she chose to become a teacher.
Joyce taught in many small country schools, including Smoking Tent, where she met Clifford Logan. They were married on October 30, 1950 back in Prelate, SK.
They homesteaded on the same land as Lloyd and Bella Logan. Joyce knew nothing of the farm life. Wood burning stoves, no power, gardening, canning and bread making were all new to her.
Joyce gave Clifford four children; Clinton, Cindy, Phyllis and Kevin. That later lead to 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Joyce taught at Cherry Blossom School and later kindergarten in Porcupine Plain. She worked at the museum in Porcupine for 24 years and became very proficient at painting monarch butterflies.
Clifford was always a great hunter which enabled Joyce to learn how to can, cut and wrap a variety of wild game.
Joyce “inherited” many brothers and sisters-in-law who later became great friends. She spent many evenings’ playing cards with Larry, Donna, Leila, Shirley, Steve and Florence. Numerous pie and perogie making bees were done with Cliff, Leila, Shirley and Gladys. Later on they brought Lois into the fold.
Joyce and Cliff moved off the farm into Porcupine in January 2018. They had two years in town before Joyce had to move into the Red Deer Nursing Home. 12 days later she lost her husband of 69 years (January 15, 2020).
It took a while for Joyce to adjust to the nursing home life, but her strong faith helped her through. She loved watching Blue Jay’s baseball, curling and numerous game shows, especially Jeopardy.
Joyce was a good Woman, a wonderful Mother, an awesome Grandmother and a very proud Great-grandmother. She will always be remembered for her love of family; but she considered that Incidental when she slapped the final Ace on the table to take the Trick and win the Game!