BOYCE

Gwen Elizabeth Boyce (Jones) of Rimbey, Alberta passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the age of 74 years.

Gwen was born on January 5, 1946 to Stan and Jessie Jones. She was raised in the Homeglen District and was well-cared for by both her parents and maternal grandparents, who happily lived in their home together. Although an only child, Gwen's life was filled with many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbours. Gwen attended school in Sylvan Heights and Ponoka. She went on to attend college in Olds, graduating from the Secretarial Sciences program in 1965. Gwen, a dark-eyed, dark-haired beauty, began spending time with Pat Boyce at community dances and events, and eventually they were married in 1966. The couple resided in the Springdale area on the Boyce homestead and raised their three children, Shauna, Shannon, and Steven there.

Gwen worked at the Bluffton School as a secretary, with Rimoka Housing as the financial officer, and at the Summer Village of Gull Lake as an administrator. She also partnered with Pat to run both the family farm and gravel company. Gwen retired from the Summer Village in 2007 when her parents required more care. With pride, she supported them as they aged and ensured their needs were met. Gwen took great pride in her children and grandchildren. Her grandkids held a special place in her heart. She was always available to chauffeur, babysit, or chat; and she rarely missed a game, a sale, or an event. Gwen played significant roles in all her children and grandchildren's lives, and saw each of them as individuals. She engaged in long chats on the phone with Sammy, loved hearing about Owen's next animal adventure, had political conversations with Ben, and enjoyed crafting and cooking with Jenna.

Gwen was a firecracker, and if you needed her down-to-earth opinion, or her advocacy on a subject, she would give it, but not always on the same side of the argument as you hoped. She always welcomed friends and family to her kitchen table at the farm, or the couch at the condo. Gwen had a love for gardening, preserving, wood work, and was skilled in handicrafts, such as: leatherwork, painting, crocheting, sewing, and knitting. She was not always skilled at getting projects done in a timely manner. Gwen was active on many boards and had many volunteer positions in the community, including Victim Services and the Kansas Ridge Condo Board. She also loved sports, as a participant herself or a fan. Those closest to her knew not to try having a conversation with her if a Jays game or a bonspiel was on.

Gwen was never one to sit idle; she was practical and straightforward when things needed to get done. She was an active member in many aspects of 4-H; from a member of home economics as a child, to supporting Pat in leading Light Horse 4-H, and as a leader herself of the Lavesta Sewing Club for many years. Gwen, of course, also supported her children and grandchildren in their 4-H experiences.

Gwen will be greatly missed as a mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Shauna Boyce (Sam Paul) of Sturgeon County; Shannon Boyce-Campbell (Gerald Jennex) of the Homeglen District; and Steven (Teri) Boyce of the Springdale District; as well as four precious grandchildren: Sam, Owen, Ben, and Jenna; in addition to other relatives, and many close friends. Gwen was predeceased by her parents, Jessie in 2008 and Stan in 2009; and her husband, Pat in 1996. A special thank you to the Rimbey Hospital, Acute Care unit for the care that they provided to Gwen.

In Celebration of Gwen’s uniqueness, and in appreciation for her favorite time of year, Halloween - Gwen’s family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and acquaintances were invited to gather at the Rimbey Jr./Sr. High School parking lot on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. to take part in a Memorial Parade in Gwen’s Honour through the Kansas Ridge Estates condominiums. The Family wished to remind those who attended to please follow provincial health guidelines. Respecting Gwen's wishes, a private family gathering will take place at a later date. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Gwen’s Memory may be made directly to the Bluffton 4-H Beef Club, Box 1116, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0; or to the Rimbey Health Services Donations Program, c/o Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre - Acute Care, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhealthdonations.com). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Gwen Elizabeth Boyce (Jones) entrusted to the care of