JOYCE CAROLINE KALLSTROM

JOYCE CAROLINE KALLSTROM
Joyce Kallstrom, proud mother of Tom and Norma, lost her courageous battle with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday, April 3, 2007 with her loving husband, Melvin, by her side.
Born Nov. 6, 1945, in Winnipeg, Man. to the late Norman and Velda Fults, Joyce was raised north of Emo, Ont. She attended elementary school in Carpenter Township and then high school in Fort Frances, Ont.
After graduation, Joyce pursued her goal of becoming an RPN, attending nurse’s college in Thunder Bay, Ont. After graduating, Joyce began her nursing career in Lytton, B.C. and Atikokan, Ont., and finally at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, where she recently was rewarded for her 40 years of service.
On July 5, 1968, Joyce was united in marriage to Melvin Kallstrom, who was her faithful companion in life for the next 38 years. Throughout their marriage, Joyce and Melvin enjoyed many happy years together, especially the years spent raising their son, Tom, and daughter, Norma.
It was through Tom and Norma that Joyce received her greatest joy. Whether it was her son’s return to university or her daughter’s career as a social worker in the United Kingdom, her pride in her children was obvious to those who knew her.
Although Joyce endured many health concerns in the past seven years, she always could rely on Melvin to be her strength and support in her time of need.
Joyce was thankful of the support given to her by friends and family, and appreciated the kindness shown to her and her family.
Joyce also was incredibly grateful for the love and support given to her by the hospital and home care staff; in particular Dr. Shack and the staff on St. Andrew’s Ward.
She is survived by her family, including one brother, many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws; and wonderful friends. She also will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched with her kindness, courage, and witty sense of humour.
As per her wishes, no funeral services was held.
Instead a celebration of Joyce’s life was held in her memory at the Devlin Hall in Devlin, Ont. on Monday April 9, 2007 at 11 a.m. Family and friends gathered to share laughter and stories of Joyce’s life, with Pastor Diane Clifford leading the celebration.
Interment will take place in Emo Cemetery in Emo, Ont. at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Tamarack House, Suite 501, 984 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 7C7.
Online condolences may be left at www.northridgefuneralhome.com