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JOYCE ARLENE SIGFUSSON
Born: Sep 21, 1938
Date of Passing: Jan 24, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOYCE ARLENE SIGFUSSON
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Joyce Arlene Sigfusson on January 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband Gisli, infant son Brendan, parents, Arthur and Sarah, siblings, Merle (Larus), Lloyd, Evelyn (Einar), parents-in-law, Gisli Sr. and Anna, brothers-in-law, Sigmar (Margaret), Skapti, Elmer, Flovent and sister-in-law Oleen (Ray).
She will be remembered as a loving Mother to Ardis (Wayne Martyniuk), Arla (Kevin Magalas) and Blair (Karmen). Cherished Amma to Brett (Jessica), Larissa (Ty), Troy, Danika, Bryce and Lang Amma to Elly. She also leaves to mourn sisters-in-law, Edna, Joan and Rita along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She will also be remembered by Brittany (Chris), Ainsley, Harriet and Hannah as their honorary Amma.
Mom was born on September 21, 1938, in Winnipeg and grew up on the family farm in the Hayland District. She finished her schooling at Daniel McIntyre and after completing her teaching certificate began her career at Weston School. On July 24, 1959, she married Gisli Sigfusson and together they embarked on a life of deep mutual respect and love, equally strong work ethics and an inspiring commitment to family.
In 1965, Mom founded Sigfusson Nursery Schools which provided Kindergarten and nursery classes in our home on Athlone Drive. Over time her programs expanded and were located in many schools in St. James. For over 50 years, thousands of families benefitted from her caring and nurturing life's work. Mom treasured the wonderful individuals that worked alongside her and the lifelong friendships built.
Mom was a long-time member of St. Stephen's and First Lutheran Churches. She was an integral part of the church group that started the Scandinavian Pavilion for Winnipeg's annual Folklorama festival and spent many summers volunteering.
Mom and Dad loved to travel. Highlights of their travels included going to Japan with the Winnipeg Jets in 1977, Hawaii, Europe and several trips to the Caribbean with Aruba and the Bahamas her personal favourites. We would be remiss not to mention that one of Mom's favourite pastimes was gambling (slots only!). With Dad, family and friends she enjoyed fun-filled evenings out at various Winnipeg casinos, along with road trips down to the States and numerous jaunts to Las Vegas.
Mom loved sports and enjoyed her weekly curling league with friends as well as many bonspiels. She was an avid baseball fan and was a loyal Winnipeg Goldeye's season ticket holder.
Mom's greatest joy was her family. Her grandchildren always knew they had a fiercely loyal ally in Amma and would profess "when the going gets tough I go to Amma's". She was an enthusiastic supporter of their activities, rarely missing a game, concert or performance.
Our childhood home was a safe, secure place, full of love, laughter and some awfully loud singing. Mom always made our family her first priority and put our needs above her own. We have many fond memories of birthday and holiday celebrations, family camping and road trips and just sitting down together over our daily home-cooked meals. In heart-warming handwritten cards or letters Mom always expressed her strong belief in each of us and celebrated our individual personalities and achievements.
We would like to thank the staff of Tuxedo Villa for the care provided these past five years.
Cremation has taken place and Mom will be laid to rest beside her beloved Gisli during a private family interment.
Mom was a very hard working, generous person and in her quiet unassuming way helped many people. In honour of Joyce's legacy of compassion and giving, please consider performing an act of kindness in her memory. Whether it is helping someone in need, volunteering your time or just simply sharing a kind word or smile, we feel this would be a fitting tribute.
Dad has his "Joyce mín" back in his loving arms.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Dear Ardis, Arla, Blair & families, My brother, Earl & I were saddened to learn of Joyce’s passing & send our deepest sympathies to you. Your Mom/Grandma was so kind, thoughtful, caring & had such a warm beautiful smile. Mom would say she was a “beautiful person inside and out”. We are so grateful for the wonderful friendship she shared with our dear Mom, Amy Persson (Skundberg). Our families attended St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church and during those years, together with establishing and volunteering at the Scandinavian Pavilion, a special relationship resulted. They both shared the love of their Nordic Heritage, love of baseball, cooking, and whatever else girlfriends share …. Mom looked so forward & cherished Joyce’s visits, at home or in the hospital, her thoughtful cards, and would lovingly update us on the comings & goings of the Sigfusson family afterwards. Joyce was a very faithful friend to Mom & gave Mom strength to persevere during difficult times. We thank God for the blessing of Joyce & Mom’s friendship. We know Mom is happy to be reunited with Joyce & her loving husband, Gisli, whom Mom so adored as well. Inga & Earl Skundberg - Posted by: Inga Skundberg (Friend) on: Mar 31, 2025
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Over the course of a decade from 1967-77, Mrs. Sigfusson’s Nursery School was the first step into the school and the wider world for all 5 of my siblings and myself. Even as a 4-year old, I still remember her kindness and patience with all of us. Deepest condolences, Ardis (who we older Steele kids knew) and to your whole family for your loss. - Posted by: Don Steele (Former student in the (very!) early days) on: Feb 19, 2025
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Joyce (Mrs. Sigfusson) was a wonderful and kind woman, who was ahead of her time in establishing her own business. Our kids were very fortunate to go to Sigfusson Daycare at Athlone School. It was always clear how much Joyce cared about every child in her care and she greeted everyone each day with her beautiful and welcoming smile. - Posted by: Arlene Forsyth (Client) on: Feb 08, 2025
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Arla & Kevin, to you & your family, our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Frenchie & Claudette Rainville (Friends - neighbours at Sandpiper Beach) on: Feb 07, 2025
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I knew Joyce from when all three of my kids attended Sigfusson Daycare at Athlone School. Joyce was so very special to my Kids, especially my son Drew who was very fond of her. Drew and I still talk about seeing Joyce in Grand Forks buying all of the special cereals for her daycare. Our deepest condolences to Joyce's family. :( May you rest in peace Joyce. - Posted by: Tracey Decorte (Friend from Sigfusson Daycare) on: Feb 05, 2025
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So sorry for the lost of such a beautiful women. I came here and my mom laughing about something but enjoy there weekly visits. Rest in peace JOYCE from all of us - Posted by: ROSA giampaolo (friend) on: Feb 02, 2025
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I worked with Gisli and met Joyce through him. My deepest condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Brad Childe (Co worker) on: Feb 02, 2025
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I grew up living next door to the Sigfusson family on Athlone Drive and will always remember the fun times spent with them. I attended Sigfusson Nursery in the early years and later on, my son also attended. Joyce was an amazing person who cared deeply for every child and had the greatest smile and laugh! My mother, also a Joyce, worked for Joyce once she had finished caring for her own children and grandchildren. My mom and Joyce spent many great days and evenings together, playing the slots at the Casinos. I will always remember Joyce as a very caring and loving person with a ton of energy! My deepest condolences to Ardis, Arla, Blair and family. Take care and keep all of the wonderful memories close to your hearts. - Posted by: Christine Hennigar (Family Friend) on: Feb 02, 2025
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I was saddened to hear of Joyce's passing. I met Joyce in 1981 when I enrolled my son, Cory Krentz, in her Nursery School at the age of 3. Because he was an only child, I was looking for a safe environment for Cory to learn and socialize with other children. I certainly found that at Sigfusson Nursery School! He spent two years in Joyce's warm and caring environment and he always looked forward to attending. By the time he entered kindergarten, he was well-prepared for his upcoming years in school and life in general. He maintained some of the friends that he met at Sigfusson's for many years, until we moved to BC. Joyce made the world a more beautiful place, not only to her young students, but their parents as well. To Ardis, Arla and Blair and Joyce's entire extended family, my most sincere condolences. May you find comfort in your beautiful memories of her. - Posted by: Val Bishop (former student's parent) on: Feb 01, 2025
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I've known Joyce all my life, my father and Gisli worked together for the City for decades. I remember Joyce and Gisli at many Christmas gatherings at our house. Years later my children had the privileged of knowing Joyce when they attended Sigfusson Day Care at Athlone School. I will always remember the big smile Joyce would greet me with and will always appreciate all the help and encouragement she gave me when I was a single parent. Rest easy Joyce, you're back with Gisli. Janis. - Posted by: Janis Richards (Family Friend) on: Feb 01, 2025