MacKINNON

Our loving mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and JJ, Joyce M. MacKinnon of Bentley, Alberta, passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the age of 85 years.

Joyce was born in Lorlie, Saskatchewan on May 28, 1937. She was the second child born to her parents, Bill and Tillie Webster, in a family of four children. Joyce loved her parents and siblings immensely and often told fond stories of her life growing up. After completing her schooling, Joyce went to work as a telephone operator in Virden, Manitoba. While living and working in Virden, she met Danny Kurtz and they were married in 1955. During that union they welcomed two daughters Debra Jean in 1961, and Karen Michelle in 1962. Joyce and Danny were divorced in 1972. Joyce then met the love of her life, Leonard “Abe” Bennefield, and they were married in 1975. Sadly, Abe passed away in 1976 from cancer. Joyce was broken, but stayed strong to raise her two daughters. On January 23, 1983 she was united in marriage to Albert “Bert” MacKinnon. They farmed near Bentley, where Joyce loved the farming life and was a great farm wife. Bert passed away in 1996. After twelve years, Joyce sold the acreage and moved into a condominium in Bentley. It took her some time to readjust to town life again; however, Joyce loved her condo and resided there for ten years before selling it and moving in with her daughter and son-in-law. In her lifetime, Joyce never spent one day in the hospital. She was always extremely grateful for a long and healthy life, but the last 17 days proved to be too big of a fight for her. “You put up a good fight, Mom, and we are all very proud of you. You are missed dearly and will never be forgotten. We love you.”

Joyce will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her daughters Debbie Jahraus (Greg) of Leslieville; and Karen Metro (Dave “Red”) of Bentley; as well as her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Cody (Trisha) and their daughter Harper of Bentley; Krista (Mark) also of Bentley; Lacey (Brent) and their family Brayden and Brody of Drayton Valley; and Jace (Brianna) of Australia. She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings: Doreen of Regina, Saskatchewan; Bob (Maureen) of Camrose, Jean of Whitehorse, Yukon; in addition to several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many close friends. Joyce was predeceased by her parents; and her husbands Abe and Bert.

A Graveside Service in Celebration of Joyce’s life was held in the spring at the Vig Cemetery, Bentley on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. If friends desire, memorial tributes in her memory may be made directly to STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 (www.stars.ca). Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Joyce M. MacKinnon entrusted to the care of