The family of Joyce (Bidwell) Crawford of Battleford, SK  wishes to announce her passing on Monday, October 4, 2021 at the age of 81 years.

Joyce was born at Arborfield, Saskatchewan on August 18, 1940 to Jim and Annie Bidwell. They lived in the New Osgoode and Clashmoor district until 1956 when they moved to Tisdale.  Joyce graduated high school in Tisdale in 1958. She worked for Saskatchewan Government Telephones as an operator after graduating. She married Bruce Crawford in 1960. Joyce and Bruce had 3 children: Donald born July 1, 1961, Geanne born May 22, 1964 and Warren born June 4, 1967. The family lived in Tisdale until 1972 when they moved to Melfort.  In 1974, they relocated to Prince Albert. In 1979, they moved again to Moosomin.  In 1983 they made their final move to their acreage near Battleford. During this time Joyce worked at Tisdale Auction Market, Acklands at various locations, the lunch counter at the Pool Livestock yards in North Battleford (including a few years of operating it under contract) and finally working in the dietary group at Battlefords Regional Care Centre. On their acreage, they grew a tremendous garden, raised pigs, cattle, chickens, turkeys, sheep, rabbits and numerous other exotic birds. Of course, many cats found a home there too. Their 1st dog Buck was definitely a member of the family. Joyce and Bruce took immense pleasure in having the garden and livestock on their small farm and always made sure their family had well stocked freezers and shelves stocked with home canned vegetables. Jars of the family favorite – Mom’s dill pickles – were pretty much always packed in the kids’ vehicles to be enjoyed at home. In 2018 Joyce and Bruce sold the acreage and moved into Battleford. In May of 2020, Joyce moved to Battleford District Care Centre due to declining mobility. She lived here until her passing.

Over the years Joyce enjoyed curling – both participating and watching on TV, socializing with friends and playing cards. Real important in Joyce’s life was her love of music, which she inherited from her mother Annie. She loved playing accordion and guitar. All of the grandchildren were encouraged to be involved with tambourines and whatever else they could make music with, playing along with Grandma’s cassette player. Most of all she absolutely loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and most recently her young great grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Bruce; son, Don (Denise Maire), Shari Crawford (Herb Meiklejohn) Brooke and Dayton, Evan Crawford (Jayne Kenney); daughter, Geanne Sharp, Riley Sharp (Nic Leblond) and Kyle Sharp; son, Warren, Janelle Crawford (Kevin Sanchez) and Chelsea Crawford; Joyce’s sister, Doloris Caithcart, Tracy Caithcart and Tyra Caithcart. Also surviving Joyce are her in-laws: Elsworth and Edna Abbott and family and Bruce and Donna Bird and family.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents: Jim and Annie Bidwell, brother, Raymond in infancy, father in-law, Stan Crawford, mother in-law, Wilda Crawford, brother in-law, Bill Caithcart, sister in-law, Noreen Spencer and brother in-law, Ken Spencer.

Joyce’s remains will be cremated with a memorial celebration to be held in the near future based on possible Covid restrictions.

We really need to express our appreciation to the entire staff at BDCC. Your kindness, attention to Joyce and the care she received was exemplary. A huge thanks to Dr. Campbell as well for her compassion and the care she provided Mom.

Donations in Joyce’s memory can be directed to the Battleford Union Hospital Foundation.

Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Vanessa Macnab of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

• Date : 2021-10-04
• Location : Battleford, SK