McGRATH, Joyce Sharon

1945 - 2012

Joyce Sharon McGrath passed away on July 6, 2021 in High River, Alberta, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with dementia. She was surrounded by her loving family and slipped away peacefully while holding their hands. Joyce was born on June 3, 1945 to her parents Herb and Agnes Burch, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She met Alan McGrath in 1963 and began an epic love story that would last a lifetime. They were together for 58 years and raised three strong daughters. Family was an enormous source of pride for Joyce. She often said, “Being a mother was the best job that I ever had.” Joyce was also an incredibly loving and involved aunt to her nieces and welcomed them into her home with open arms. There was nothing that she wouldn’t do for her family and she treasured every moment. Joyce was full of kindness, generosity, compassion and had a never ending supply of love to give. She was well known for making large family dinners and sending everyone home with leftovers, often packaged up and left in your shoe for you to find on the way out. Joyce could not give a gift of just one item. It was always two shirts for her grandchildren when getting back from a trip, a loaf of banana bread and a dozen muffins or multiple skincare products that she loved to share from her days working as a cosmetic department manager. Joyce had boundless energy and zest for life. Alan often referred to her as “The Energizer Bunny”. There was no project or task that was too much trouble for her. She created countless memories for her daughters, nieces, grandchildren and neighbourhood children by French braiding their hair, making gingerbread houses, sewing bears, cooking and baking with them. Joyce was an inspiration to all who met her. She had a radiant smile and beautiful, positive outlook. When asked about her life, she always said, “I wouldn’t change a thing." Joyce did not want a funeral. She wanted to be remembered through the memories she created in the lives that she touched. She is survived by her loving husband Alan, sister Gladys, three daughters Christine, Hollis and Amanda, sons-in-law Greg and Jay, nieces Wendy, Darlene, Margaret, Karlene, Susan and Debbie, and grandchildren Alison, Jacob, Abigael, Noah, Taryn, Elliott, Hope and Skye. To express condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com.