Joyce Victoria (Ross) Bunnell

On June 16, 2019, Joyce Victoria Bunnell (Ross) died in Calgary, Alberta. Mom was born over 97 years ago as the youngest child of George John Ross and Jane (Jean) Lyon Christie who had emigrated to Edmonton from Aberdeen Scotland. While her older brothers George and Jim were teachers, mom chose to become a library assistant at the Edmonton Public Library where she met the love of her life. In August of 1942 at age 20, mom married Pilot Officer Everett Lewis Bunnell R.C.A.F. She remained the pillar of strength, grace and courage for their family of three children, Everett, Ross and Marna.

Mom loved music and was an accomplished pianist, achieving her A.R.C.T with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Her post WWII adventures led her to living two years north of Banff National Park, where she and Dad ran a logging business up the Cascade Fire Road. From there Joyce and Everett, who became a test pilot and aircraft industry executive, lived in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and back to Edmonton where mom became secretary to the principal of the Glenrose School Hospital, a post from which she retired after 17 years of devoted service. An avid world adventurer she journeyed under sea off Hawaii in a nuclear submarine, the USS Chicago, scaled the Great Wall of China, and sailed around South America. She was a lifelong learner, a passionate lover of nature, and a cheerful admirer of all song, from You Are My Sunshine to the opera music of Beverly Sills. Mom was an enthusiastic hiker, skier, skater, university student, bridge player, gardener and fabulous cook. She leaves her vast collection of rocks and shells, carefully labelled.

In addition to her children and their spouses, Diana, Rita and Lombardo, mom will be missed by her four grandchildren, Scott, Darren, Noah and Sarah and three great grandchildren, Olivia, Eva and Thomas, as well by sisters-in-law Betty Sue and Camilla, nephew Karl and many dear friends. Her warm and beautiful smile will be forever remembered. You are our sunshine, we love you mom.  Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Joyce’s family through www.evanjstrong.com. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES.  (403) 265-1199

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