Joyce Cross passed away peacefully on February 14, 2012 at the age of 78 years. She is predeceased by her husband, Roy, infant son, Michael, parents, Robert and Bernadine Plummer, and brother, Terry Plummer. Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Blaine of Weyburn, Dave (Becky) of Spruce Grove, AB; daughter, Noreen (James) of Maple Ridge, BC, sister, Marilyn (Warner) Smith, Victoria, BC; sisters-in-law, Vi Hansen of Weyburn and Bonnie Cross of Yorkton; brother-in-law, Morris Polluck, Fillmore; granddaughters, Tianna and Alexandra, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Joyce was born on March 16, 1933 in Empress, AB. She loved sharing her time with her family and friends and was always there for anyone who needed a helping hand. Growing up in a teaching family and living in various communities around Weyburn including Colfax, Halbrite and Griffin inspired her to become a teacher. After completing Normal School in Moose Jaw, she began her teaching career in the early 1950s where she taught at schools in Garnet, where she was the last teacher in the one room school there, Fillmore, as well as at Elgin and Souris schools in Weyburn. Joyce married Roy Cross in 1957 in Griffin and moved into Weyburn. Upon having children, Joyce became a full-time mom and retired from teaching while Roy worked at Canada Wire and Cable. She was a devoted mother who was involved in everything her children did whether it be home and school president, softball coach, hockey and figure skating mom, band trip chaperone, youth group leader, United Church Sunday school coordinator, or speed swimming timer. Most importantly, she was always there to give her unconditional support and love. She eventually went back to part-time teaching and subbing in the Weyburn school division for many years. Her no-nonesense teaching style kept her quite popular with the teachers at the junior high and high school. In the early 1980s, she taught English to some very special Vietnamese students with whom she still kept in touch with until her passing. Joyce was the kind of person who liked to be busy whether it be tending to her garden and flowers, playing the piano for the church Sunday school, or at home while she was doing laundry. She had a great passion for curling. Joyce and Roy loved camping and never missed two weeks a summer down at White Bear and Kenosee. They also enjoyed a few trips to Danceland in Watrous where they shared their love of dancing together with their good friends.Because Joyce loved to spend time with people, she was heavily involved in various community organizations around Weyburn including Eastern Star, United Church, Canadian Cancer Society, the Communithon, the Curling Club executive, as well as the school exhibits at the Weyburn Fair. She spent tireless hours helping out with these organizations and always with enthusiasm. She was someone you could always depend on to be there for you, and she handled any challenge she was given with grace. One of her favorite roles in life was being a grandparent. She dearly loved her granddaughters who always enjoyed their yearly camping trip to Kennosee with Grammy and Grandpa. Joyce will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, friends and community. Her ability to always look at the brightside will keep her star shining bright. A heartfelt thanks to all the staff in House #6 at Tatagwa View for their dignified care of mom. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, February 21 at 2 p.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joyce, may be made to the Alzheimer Society or Weyburn Grace United Church. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
