Joyce Edith Palmer

Joyce was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunty, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Born on November 9, 1934, in Fernie, BC. Joyce was the youngest of two daughters born to Esther and James McGinnis.

Joyce married Ben Palmer in 1951 and had a long marriage of 73 years; spending most of their time in Fernie, Cranbrook and Baynes Lake, BC.

She will be fondly remembered by her children: Wendy Gejdos (Ron), Vivian Palmer, Valerie Smolik (Jon), Mike Palmer (Anita), Bev Nicol (Paul), and Greg Palmer (Pam) and was adored and admired immensely by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by them all.

Joyce played a key role raising our large family. She gave her love with no strings attached or conditions to be met, which made each of us feel as though we were her favorite and through the years she gifted this same love to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joyce’s greatest enjoyment came from spending time with family and friends, and we all enjoyed her good humour. She spent many summers at the family cabin and enjoyed fishing with the family for hours on end, playing cards or badminton with all of the kids. If time allowed it, she enjoyed quiet time to read a good book.

After all her kids grew up, she went to work for many years at Simpson Sears. She was a proud Cub Scout leader for many years and Aquafit was a priority for Mom even into her 80’s.

Joyce joined the badminton club in Fernie and loved playing and enjoyed the people as much as the challenge of the game.

Ben predeceased Joyce earlier this year and now they are together again!

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 15th, 2025 at the Baynes Lake Hall at 1:00 PM.

The Palmer family would like to thank Dr. Gadsden and all the staff at the Rocky Mountain Village. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and long days the staff often put in. The caring attention and friendship towards Mom and our family was above and beyond. We are so very grateful.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to Rocky Mountain Village Auxiliary.