In Loving Memory of our mother, Joyce Blimkie (Sargent) who passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the age of 85 years. Joyce was a proud and loving mother to all her children: David Sanders, Myrna Gravelle (Gerald), Cynthia Dufresne (Jules), Lauri Armstrong (Dennis), Donna Wallace (David), Lyle Sanders (Charlene), and special family friend, Jane Cooper. Mom was also very proud of her 14 grandchildren and her 14 great- grandchildren. Our mother was brought into this world by her biological parents George and Katherine Sargent (nee White) and was raised by her foster parents, Herman and Agnes Middlesteadt who loved and cared for her as their own. They lovingly renamed her Marie Middlesteadt and gave her the security of belonging.
Mom’s fondest and most precious memories, includes when she would stay the summers with her grandparents Otto and Wilhamina on the Sell farm. They loved and accepted her as their granddaughter by choice not by blood. A special thank you, to her cousin Paul Miller for giving his blessing for mom to be interred with her dear grandfather Otto and near her grandmother Wilhamina. Along with her close friend Sandra Johnstone, they collaborated together writing the Church Newsletter and Bulletins. Blessed with many talents, she loved dancing, music and especially singing in the Church Choir. She tried her hand at playing some musical instruments (self-taught), notably the guitar, accordion and her omnichord. Having joined her local square dance club and being a self-taught seamstress, she was very proud to show her skills at making herself beautiful dance costumes. She was involved with the local community centre where mom and friends put on skits. They got many hardy laughs especially mom for playing the character she named Minnie Hen who was based on the real TV character, Minnie Pearl, who was a regular star on The Grand Ole Opry in 1969. She loved her home in Rankin and was an avid gardener creating a stunning back yard oasis with a stone pond and waterfalls. She searched and carried every stone from around her property to complete this labour of love.
Our family would like to thank the Extendicare York, 6th Floor staff, especially RNs Rajbir, Shannon, Angie and a special thank you to PSW Donna for her tender and supportive care and Sarah the activity coordinator who somehow was able to encourage mom to participate and join in the fun.
As per Mom’s wishes her Ashes will be returned to her hometown and Happy Place. There will be a private gathering on a later date at the Grace Lutheran Church in Rankin.
Rest in peace. We Love you Mom♥