Joyce Roller

1934 - 2017

Sunrise ~ August 1, 1934
Sunset ~ September 5, 2017

With nothing but love and deep honour, we announce the passing of our mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend, Joyce Roller on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at St. Joseph's Hospice. Joyce was diagnosed with cancer in late May of this year and was a pillar of strength and courage throughout the journey. Her surrender was peaceful.

Joyce was born to Arvid and Maude Lax on August 1, 1934 in Saskatchewan. At a young age, the family relocated to Kenora where Joyce grew up, attended school, got married, began her family and forged many lifelong friendships before moving to Thunder Bay in 1970.

In addition to being an amazing mother and homemaker, Joyce was always employed mainly in bookkeeping and administrative positions. She worked for many years for Lindstrom and Nilson, Mr. C. Drycleaners, Lutheran Community Care Center and Catholic Family Development Center. Along with her husband, Herb, they owned Hickory Farms for many years. Joyce volunteered for many organizations in Thunder Bay and was an active member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

Joyce was a social butterfly and loved spending time with her numerous friends attending dances at the legion, going out for dinner, entertaining at home, practicing Tai Chi and socializing.

Most will remember Joyce for her style and flair ~ her boundless energy ~ her big smile and her love for life. We enjoyed all of this and more.

We learned precious lessons about what it means to be a family ~ a mother ~ a grandmother ~ a friend. Filled with unconditional love and a commitment to our growth and wellbeing, our mom didn't sugarcoat her perspectives and held us in total acceptance no matter what.

Life wasn't always a bed of roses. The depths of Joyce's courage, strength, resilience, and capacity for forgiveness was remarkable ~ an example for us all. Her legacy will live forever in our hearts.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Arvid and Maude Lax, her husband, Herb, son, Terry, grandsons, Steven, Marshall and Joshua, and Christopher, brothers, Allan and Merrill and sadly in late August, her brother, Wayne. Joyce also grieved the loss of her special friend, Joe.

Joyce is survived by her children, Margaret Hajdinjak (Steve), Elizabeth Bishop, and James Roller; step-children, Bryan (Colleen), Patricia and Naida. Always remembered with love by grandchildren Adam (Crystal), Taylor (Shino), Melanie, and their dad, Greg (Jelena); Kyle, Jennifer, and their mom, Korene, Emily, Karen, Elise and Keith. We will keep her memory alive and instill her brightest qualities and attributes for and within great-grandchildren, Terry, Caleb, Cohen, Jax and Finley. Joyce's memory will be cherished by sister-in-law, Glynda Lax, nieces, Gaelyn, Joyelle, and Melody and nephews, Brian and Michael and their families. Joyce's exuberant presence will be missed by many friends including her special friend and dancing partner, Freddy.

Thank you to the nursing team at St. Joseph's Hospice including Drs. Miguay and Davis for your care and compassion for our mom and your gentle kindness to us, Dr. Wilberforce for ongoing care and compassion, and Dr. Gehman for his honesty, respect, and responsiveness.

Memorial services for Joyce Roller will be held at 4pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at the corner of River and Farrand Streets.

Please dress in lots of colour to honour Joyce's spirit. If you have a feather boa ~ don it.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's honour in memory of her grandson, Steven Hajdinjak to the Out of the Darkness Walk c/o Margaret Hajdinjak (131 Willowdale Drive, Neebing, ON P7L 0C7).

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass ~ It's about learning to dance in the rain.”

Thank you Mom.

Online condolences may be made through
www.nwfainc.com