It is with great sadness that the family of Lillian ‘Joyce’ French announce her sudden passing on January 16th, 2020.  Joyce was born on February 9th, 1936 to the late William and Patricia Helement in St. Jean, Quebec. Sister to the late Teddy and Danny Helement, Joyce grew up in Montreal and it was here she met the love of her life, Alvin, while he was on leave from the Royal Canadian Navy. They were married for 62 years, moving from post to post during Alvin’s Navy career, finally settling in Redcliff, Alberta in 1987. Sadly, Alvin passed in August 2018.  Joyce is survived by her children, Judy (Brian) Donovan, Fay (Paul) Chapman, Lorraine Docken, Debbie (Marshall) Astika and daughter in law, Donna Cullins. She had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly as they loved her. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Darryl, in January of 2018, and after losing him her heart was never quite the same.  Joyce’s greatest joy was having family come visit, cooking for them and simply enjoying their company. She was generous, funny, sharp witted and didn’t hold back on telling somebody “what was what”. She loved to laugh, enjoyed her programs on TV and found great joy in colouring on her iPad.  As per her wishes, there will not be a service. Instead the family has chosen to have the interment and private celebration of life in the spring of 2020.  She was our mother, our grandmother, our friend and our lives won’t be the same without her.  Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Joyce French.

• Date : 2020-01-16
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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