Evelyn “Joyce” Bresden
May 8, 1931 – August 17, 202
It is with heavy hearts, but also with tremendous gratitude for the wonderful life she shared with us, that we say goodbye to our beloved mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Evelyn Joyce Bresden, known to everyone as Joyce. Joyce passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the age of 95.
Born in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Joyce spent much of her childhood moving from province to province as her father served in the Air Force. She eventually found her home in Alberta, living in Edmonton and, for most of her adult life, in Sherwood Park, where she built a life filled with family, friends, community, and adventure.
Joyce was a woman who was always busy caring for others. Over the years she worked as a medical office secretary, secretary at Bev Facey High School, and as the owner and operator of her own day home. She volunteered with Brownies and Guides, Pony Club, A Safe Place for battered women, and supervised students and enjoyed joining them on the slopes during weekly ski trips to Rabbit Hill.
She had a wonderful sense of adventure and a genuine love of the outdoors. She enjoyed skiing, hiking, working on the acreage, playing the piano,reading, listening to music (one of her favourite songs was “I Have a Dream” by Nana Moskouri) and exploring. She even hiked the
West Coast Trail. Some of her most special memories were made travelling across Canada and into the United States with her eldest grandson, going to Nova Scotia with her daughter and family and being anywhere near lakes.But more than anything, Joyce loved her family. She treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took such delight in discovering their individual passions, whether soccer, hockey, music, reading, or simply spending time together. She was always interested, always encouraging, and always there.
Joyce will be remembered most for her enthusiasm, her incredibly generous and giving nature, and her ability to truly listen. She had a way of making people feel cared for, supported, and loved. She was, quite simply, one of the nicest people we have ever known.
Joyce is survived by her children Doug (Connie), Ken, and Carol-Anne (John); her grandchildren Shawn, Ryan, Kelly, Jennifer, Teagan, Tori, Braedyn, and Josh; and her great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alf “Westy” and May Westergaard, her brother Ross Westergaard, and her dear cousin Lois “Louie” Little. We take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with those she loved and missed so dearly.
Joyce also had a special place in her heart for her many pets over the years—dogs, a cat, and a horse. Her last dog, Buddy, was a particularly special companion, and their walks around Broadmoor Lake were among her simple pleasures.
We are deeply grateful to Meriam, who provided Joyce with the very best companionship and care during her final years. Her kindness meant so much to Joyce and to our family. Joyce’s final resting place will be at the Nature Walk at Glenwood Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers to one of her favourite charities (Stollery, Ronald MacDonald House, SPCA, Salvation Army) would be appreciated.
We will miss her deeply, but we will carry her with us—in the stories we tell, the adventures we remember, the kindness we share, and in the love she gave so freely to all of us. Her life was a gift, and we feel incredibly lucky that she was ours.
Care Entrusted to Pine Box Funerals Inc.
pineboxfunerals.ca