January 29, 1930 - January 27, 2023
Kathreen Joyce Bussard (Fleck) - known as "Joyce" - passed in Wetaskiwin January 27th , 2 days shy of her 93rd birthday. She was born in the family home in Castor, AB January 29, 1930.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Wayne) Curry, Patricia (Patrick) O'Connell, and Lorrene (Keith) Thiessen; daughters-in-law, Pat Bussard, Tracy Bussard; sisters, Alice Smith, Anna Rood; sisters-in-law, Doreen Fleck, Coral Fleck; grandchildren, Kelee (Ryan) Boisvert, Makani (Dylan) Appleby, Mark Friesen, Dege (Bailey) O'Connell, Pali (Zack) O'Connell, Erin (Elton) Pinto, Andrea (Allan) Bussard, Ryan (Krystal) Bussard, Rhianna (Shawn) Schmuland, Jordan (Tanner) Maygard, Katie (Dan) Slevinsky, Kindren (Kirstyn) Thiessen; 18 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Joyce was predeceased by her parents, John and Kathreen Fleck; brothers, Jack and Edward Fleck; husbands, Harold Bussard and Glen Bussard; sons, Lee and Gerry Bussard; granddaughter, Sydney Thiessen.
Joyce went to Verdun, Duhamel and then New Norway School, graduating in 1948. Worked in Camrose followed by Edmonton and then moved back to the farm to help her Dad.
She married into the Bussard family in 1951 - farming and raising her 5 kids.
She was involved in the Rosebrier Parent Council, the Rosebrier 4H clothing, gardening, multi and beef club. Instrumental in establishing the Rosebrier community craft center, part of the Gwynne ladies curling club, Wetaskiwin Square dance club, Wetaskiwin Good Sam Club and Verdun Historical Society.
Joyce farmed on the family farm which received the century farm award in 2003. She was the first woman to be inducted into the Wetaskiwin Agricultural Hall of fame in 1983 and in 1984 - the Western Producer selected her as one of the women to write an article on "Partners in farming" and in 1985 she received the progressive pork partner award for the farrow to finish operation Joyce, Glen and Gerry operated. She was part of the farming for the future committee in Alberta and was recognized as the Pioneer of the Year in 2009. Joyce was instrumental in the integration of children with disabilities into the public school system for her son Lee.
Joyce did every craft known to mankind - learning and teaching. She took great pride in her yard - mowing and rototilling right up to this past summer. She loved camping, RVing and travelling abroad. She was very involved in the community she loved and a willing participant in the occasional community shenanigan. She was always up to assist anyone with a project, play a game of crib, spend time with her sisters, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins, participate in whatever her children were doing, and road-tripping to Nelson and Hawaii.
In memory of this beautiful woman: Play a game of crib. Drink a gin. Take pride in your yard. Support your community. Speak your truth. Learn something new. Celebrate your heritage. Spend time with your family. Be willing to teach someone something new. Don't procrastinate. Travel. Enjoy sitting by the fire with family and friends.
In memory of Joyce, donations may be made to the Wetaskiwin Hospital Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bussard / Thiessen farm on May 6th.
Honoured to Serve the Bussard Family
Baker Funeral Chapel
780.352.2501 Or 888.752.2501
condolences: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
Wombold Family Funeral Home