Joyce Susan Graham

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of Joyce Susan Graham on April 30th, 2025, at the age of 72. She was born in Marathon Ontario to Sam and Kay Baxter. Joyce will be lovingly remembered by Gordon her loving husband of 54 years, her adored children Cathy and Allister, her loved and very special daughter-in-law Laralee, her treasured Granddaughter Allie, furry grand puppies Luka and Otis, her remaining family of sister Sandi Cress (Bob and family); brother James Baxter (Marlene and family); brother-in-law Jack Irwin (family); sister-in-law Sharon Graham, sister-in-law Peggy Stewart (Edward and family); brother-in-law Mervyn Graham (Marydale and family); sister-in-law Rhea Graham (family), and those of the Graham families in Scotland, and a plethora of cherished friends the world over. All of which will miss her smile, laugh and warm presence.

Joyce is predeceased by her parents, sister Judy Irwin and brother-in-law Dick Graham.

Joyce loved all those she befriended and continues to live on through the lives that she touched bringing laughter and cherished memories.

Joyce always looked forward to new adventures and experiencing life to the fullest. She enjoyed a variety of activities that brought her joy such as, RVing in Lucky, biking, swimming, canoe adventures, hiking and walking with the birds. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, traveling across Canada (too many times to count) and the world with her husband. She loved to play cards and inherited a giggle from her late mother that was used when she continuously won. Joyce built her career with Atlantic Canada Opportunities Limited, Alberta Health, and the University of Calgary, with the latter two roles focused on fundraising. After retirement Joyce loved raising funds to bring Rwanda's Peace International High School to completion as part of her legacy and cherished the moments during her visit to Rwanda. Many thanks to the late Bishop Denis Mugabo and his family (founders in Rwanda) for their friendship and encouragement towards this goal. She was always there to help those that she could.

Joyce's faith had grown through her lifetime to comfort and strengthen her. She felt that there was nothing left unresolved to peacefully lift her up to reside an everlasting life with her beliefs and God.

In lieu of flowers Joyce asked to consider a donation to the Peace International High School Completion that she was so proud of.

For Donations:

Cheques can be made payable to Emmanuel Community Reformed Church *please put in the notes field that it is for the Rwanda High School Completion Fund*.

The church address is: 6505 140 Avenue NW Edmonton Alberta T5A 1H1 --- Attention High School Completion Fund.

Include your return address for a tax receipt mailed out in Feb. 2026.

If you prefer the e-transfer method: the link is “pisemmchtransfer@gmail.com “please put in the notes it is for the Rwanda High School Completion.

Or to support the underprivileged: Ratanak International, a Christian charity founded by Brian McConaghy a Canadian in 1989 that works with Cambodians to restore those robbed of freedom and protect the vulnerable. www.ratank.org

Or if you prefer to donate in Canada, then please donate to Alberta Health Services.

The Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be on May 20th at 11AM

Emmanuel Community Reformed Church, 6505 140 Ave NW Edmonton Alberta. For those not able to attend the service will be streamed live and can also be picked up later on Emmanuel Community's YouTube site.

The family would like to thank all the Alberta Health professionals over the years and those at the St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital that took such good care of her during the remaining weeks.