MARGARET JOYCE ALLEN (DUVALL)

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MARGARET JOYCE ALLEN (nee DUVALL) Mom passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at approximately 9:40 a.m. in her 93rd year. Family members were present as she took her last breath. She was residing on T4 of the Deer Lodge Centre due to Dementia / Alzheimer's disease. Joyce was predeceased by her parents George DuVall and Eleanor Frances Gilmour, and her siblings Fred, George, Alice, and James. She leaves behind to mourn her passing, husband of 66 years, John R. (Jack) Allen, and her three sons who she loved immeasurably and was very proud of, James (Margaret), Ronald and Lorne. Also mourning is Ellie, Mom's youngest surviving sister who now becomes the Family Matriarch. Grandchildren Kimberley, Sean, Matthew, Christina, Danielle, and great-grandchild Luna share in the sadness of their grandmother's passing as do numerous nephews, nieces, long-time and loyal friends, good neighbours and many acquaintances. Joyce was brought into the world on February 2, 1920 at Montreal, Quebec. Being the eldest female child, Mom played a huge role in assisting her folks in the upbringing of her younger siblings. When the Second World War began Mom volunteered to join the R.C.A.F. She was extremely proud of her service in the Air Force and had many experiences which she shared with all who cared to listen. After the war she married Jack in 1947 and began that chapter of her life, raising her "three boys" as she loved to refer to them as. Mom was also involved with the Wolf Cubs being a leader with St. Aidan's wolf pack. Joining the work force Mom began with Canada Carpet and then Sears in Montreal where she began many long-term friendships. Mom was right at home in the kitchen accepting her role as mother and "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer" - very happy to share cooking skills with her sons. With the family relocating to Winnipeg, Mom continued her employment with Sears up until her retirement. Joyce loved to sing so she joined the church choir which provided her the opportunity to sing her heart out as well as gaining Spiritual and social fulfillment. Another long-time organization / group which Mom belonged to was TOPS, later "graduating" to KOPS. In her pre-retirement and later years Mom enjoyed trips to various locations in Canada and even journeyed to Launceston, Cornwall, England to attend a son's Marriage Blessing. Joyce's illness became her final challenge and it was carried out with grit and determination, struggling to communicate as best she could. Many thanks are given to the physicians, nurses and staff at Deer Lodge. Special mention with gratitude is given to Shirley and Erin. Mom was certainly a unique character who made everyone feel welcome and left an impression wherever she was. Mom will forever be held in warm, loving memory. A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, November 4, 2013 at Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium, 1800 Day St., with interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery Field of Honour. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Joyce's name may be made to a charity of choice or the Alzheimer's Society. Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2013