Joyce Cherniak

CHERNIAK: Joyce Cherniak (Dirksen) of North Battleford passed away June 23, 2023 at the age of 73 years old. Joyce is survived by her children Kelly (Amanda) Cherniak- their children Shelyse, Brook and Cash, Madison and Raigan; Alan (Rhonda) Cherniak – their children Joshua and Jesse; Chad (Misha) Cherniak – their children Zachery and Lexi. Joyce will also be remembered by the father of her children Edward Cherniak; her siblings May (Jim) Schultz and Ron (Colleen) Hawkins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her parents Henry and Ruth Dirksen. Joyce was born on May 15, 1950 in Qu'Appelle, Sk., where she lived until she was 7 years old. Her mother, Ruth went to Teacher's College at that time in Moose Jaw then moved to Spinney Hill to start her teaching career. Joyce lived there for the next 5 years and made many friendships there. This was where her interest in horses began. The family moved to Cochin when Joyce was 12 years old, where her mother continued with her teaching. Joyce's father Henry passed away when Joyce was 15 years old. While living in Cochin Joyce got her first horse. Any of those who knew Joyce knew her love for horses. She had many more horses over the years and her interest grew as she started team penning. Joyce moved to North Battleford where she met and married the father of her children and they had three boys together. She started work at the Youth Care Centre in the early 90's and continued to work there until the last couple of years. She also attended massage school and had her own business working as a massage therapist. Joyce loved her children and grandchildren and spent time with them whenever she could. Joyce also loved hockey and would watch her favorite team on T.V. but also spent a lot of years watching her sons and grandsons play the game. She could also often be found at the rink watching her granddaughter figure skate. Unfortunately, Joyce's health took a turn a couple of years back however she persevered and fought for as long as she could. She spent a short time in River Heights Lodge when things became too hard for her to manage. Many thanks to the staff at Home Care, River Heights Lodge and the Doctors and Nurses that all helped care for Joyce.