Joyce June Sowden
Joyce Sowden went to be with Jesus on July 23, 2023.
She was born in Southey, Saskatchewan on June 23, 1926 to Alfred and Annie Gerhardt.
Joyce married Cecil Charles Sowden in Edmonton on June 24, 1947. Joyce worked several jobs through the years, including catering and working as a salesperson in various department stores. Joyce loved her family, but more importantly, she loved Jesus.
She will be remembered by many for her incredible generosity and her life of service.
She leaves to mourn her sister Gerry Nelson, daughter Jeryn (Arnold) Janz, son Dean (Wendy) Sowden, 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Joyce's Celebration of Life will be held at Beulah Alliance Church, 17504 98 A Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5T 5T8 on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
Those wishing to view the service via live-stream, can do so by accessing the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/3596971/f1dae442a5
In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Humanitarian Aid Response Team (H.A.R.T), 90 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 5J9.
Joyce was undoubtedly a very special woman. She was godly, faithful, friendly, unselfish, kind, warm-hearted, funny, steadfast and a super fantastic cook not to mention an exceptional seamstress. When Wynelle and I moved to Cochrane and Joyce and Cecil lived in Calgary as well as in Montana, we so enjoyed visiting with them the many times that we did. When I married Audrey, after Wynelle’s death, we both enjoyed her company so much whenever we were together in the Edmonton area. She made the prettiest flower girl dress we’ve ever seen, white with red trim, for Stephanie on for wedding day. Our heartfelt condolences to all the family left behind here on earth but we rejoice with Joyce knowing she is enjoying eternal bliss in heaven with Christ and many loved ones.
Dear Dean, Jeryn and family,
Your mom has always had a special place in my life. We had a Pioneer Pal/Gal relationship way back when I was in Jr. High School and she has been a great encouragement to me ever since. She will be missed by many; most certainly by me.
Condolences, blessings, and love to all.
Dianne Pendergast
Just a note to say what a special friend and prayer partner Joyce has been to me. .Her love for Jesus was so evident, and she was always positive and ready to help anyone that she could. She was my daughter Dianne’s Pal in Pioneer Girls and I know she was a help and encouragement to Dianne. I will miss her but so happy to know that she is now with Jesus , who she loved and served for many years. One day we will be together again in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus. To her family I want you to know I love you and my prayers are with you.
Dear Jeryn and Dean,
My sister, Gina, and I wish to extend our deepest condolences for the passing of your beloved mother. Joyce was my mother’s best friend going back to the early ‘50s when we lived in Manville and the two of them pursued all manners of handicrafts and experiments in cooking. She had everyone in stitches with her stories of their exploits at Mom’s funeral back in 2006! We were so appreciative of Joyce’s weekly visits to Mom at her nursing home. On numerous occasions I timed my visits to coincide with your mother’s as she had a wealth of news about all her family members. She was a godsend to so many shut-ins as she drove them on errands or visited them. I am so sorry that I did not have a chance to visit Joyce after she had her stroke. I have been living in Saanichton on Vancouver Island since 2014 and wintering in Arizona. By the way, Gina’s middle name is Joyce!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time,
Dear Dean & Wendy and Family Randy: Randy & I are so sorry for your loss of a remarkable woman who you were blessed to call Mom, Grandma, sister, aunt and more. I commend you for the beautiful celebration of life which gave me the opportunity to learn just how inspiring Joyce is and how much she meant to so many people. I personally have never witnessed a more poignant celebration of life. It meant a lot to me to get to know this lovable and extraordinary woman.