Joyce Brown
April 16, 1937 – March 8, 2026

It is with great sadness the family of Joyce Brown announces her passing on March 8, 2026, at Rocky Mountain House Health Centre after a brief illness.

Joyce Lavara Brown was born in Wetaskiwin, Alta., on April 16, 1937, to her parents Lillie and William Winslow. She grew up on the family farm near Ponoka where she attended Dakota School. 

Joyce and Alvin were married on July 21, 1956, at the Dakota United Church. As newlyweds they lived in Rocky Mountain House before moving to their farm off Taimi Road. They raised cattle, horses, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. They moved back to the original Brown homestead in the fall of 2013, where she lived until moving to Westview Lodge in 2023.

Joyce was an avid horse lover, participating in many gymkhana and Rocky Light Horse Association events through the years on her horse Derby. Most notably, she participated in the Centennial Trail Ride from Rocky to the Calgary Stampede in 1967. This was a six-day journey where they were met by the Calgary Stampede parade marshal, Roy Rogers, who led them through the parade.

Joyce was a passionate member of the Rocky Museum for the past 30 years, helping with many fundraising efforts, pancake breakfasts, music jams and board meetings. Her final museum efforts saw the relocation of the Brown family home from the original homestead to the museum yard where it was restored to its original form.
Joyce loved music and continued to play the piano for her neighbours at Westview Lodge until her passing. Her morning music sessions will surely be missed. She also loved playing cribbage with her friends and family. She was not above pegging a few extra points if she thought her opponent would not notice. She was happy to play some of her final crib games against her great-granddaughter, Jordyn, as she enjoyed having another generation to share her love of crib.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Bill (Arlene), John (Linda), Hazel and Karen (Gary); her grandchildren: Jeremy (Amanda), Lisa (David), Sarah (Morgan) and Emily (Skylar); and her great-granddaughter Jordyn. She is also survived by her brother Raymond (Nettie) Winslow and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Alvin, in 2017; her parents William and Lillie; mother-in-law Edna; and many lifelong friends. 

A memorial service for Joyce will take place on March 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Lou Soppit Community Centre. A light lunch will be provided following the service. Memorial donations may be made in Joyce’s name to the Rocky Museum. 

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Westview Lodge and Rocky Mountain House Health Centre for their care and compassion over recent years.