1929 – 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Joy Knecht on Thursday, February 9th at Mount Cartier Court in Revelstoke. She died peacefully with several family members by her side. Joy was born on May 8, 1929, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the second child of Syd and Gladys Harper. She married Gordon Knecht on March 20th, 1948, in Olds, Alberta, where they both worked for 20th Century Motors. Their oldest three children, Margo, Randy and Brenda were born in Olds.
In 1963 the family relocated to Revelstoke. Joy worked for several years for Revelstoke Builders and later for Ken Taylor Motors. Their fourth child, Michelle was born in Revelstoke in 1968. Joy became an active member of the Revelstoke United Church and United Church Women where she served tirelessly for over 40 years. She also volunteered for countless other organizations that needed her assistance in that particular stage of her life. She was an avid supporter of whatever her children and later her grandchildren chose to participate in. She enjoyed watching sports, especially hockey and spent many hours at the rink watching Randy’s and later Dustin’s games. Her volunteerism in the Revelstoke Figure Skating Club was through both Michelle’s and Danielle’s active involvement. She followed with genuine interest, from afar, the equestrian events of Chelan and Shaye.
Joy loved children (especially babies) and after retiring from her full-time work, she babysat for many years. It was through that association that Larry, Patti, Kristin and Kaitlin Larson became and remain extended family.
She was thrilled by the birth of each of her grandchildren and later great grandchildren (often marvelling that “Timmy” was the Daddy of 6 kids). Until recently she never forgot a birthday or other important occasion.
Joy spent several years helping out in Brenda and Danielle’s store, the Dreamsicle where many young patrons came just to visit with “Grandma Joy”. Due to proximity to the high school Grandma’s house became a stopping off point, especially for Michelle’s and later Danielle’s friends.
Joy loved her garden and spent many hours enjoying the flowers in her yard, a love that was inherited by all three of her daughters. She also loved animals and over the years enjoyed the company of several pets especially her beloved dog Sadie.
In her late 70s Joy became an active member of the Red Hatters and loved their lunches, travels to concerts and parties. She also loved to play rumoli on Friday nights with a group of friends. She had many friends who enjoyed her wicked sense of humour but more importantly cherished her loyalty and genuine kindness. Right until almost the end of her life Joy enjoyed the odd glass of white wine. One of her most memorable trips was to Las Vegas with her daughters for her 80th birthday.
Joy is survived by her loving family, daughter Margo Kozak (Bryan) of Abbotsford and their children Chelan, Shaye and Tim (Shannon), son Randy of Revelstoke and his family, daughter Brenda Fenrich of Revelstoke and her children Danielle and Dustin (Kara) and daughter Michelle Filipovic (Rob) of Calgary and their children Matthew, Jessica, Rachel and Sarah as well as 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Joyce Knecht, Bob and Eileen Knecht, Marg Rosehill, Beth Dorsey, Norman and Pat Knecht as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, her parents-in-law, her beloved husband Gord (1996), son-in-law Brian Fenrich (1999), brother Barry Harper, sister-in-law Eileen Harper and brothers-in-law Don Knecht and Charlie Rosehill.
The family will be eternally grateful and would like to extend thanks to the wonderful staff at Mount Cartier Court who took such exceptional care of Mom and who truly loved her. Also special thanks to Ann-Marie Gill, Doctor Jarmula and the Queen Victoria Hospital nurses for their care.
Cremation was handled by Bowers Brandon Funeral Home in Revelstoke. Many thanks to Gary and Chrissie Sulz for their caring and concern.
A celebration of Joy’s life will be held on Saturday, April 15, at 11 am at the Revelstoke United Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Revelstoke Food Bank – Box 2880 Revelstoke BC, V0E 2S0 (or online), Activity Fund at Mount Cartier Court, c/o Bag 5000, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0 or the Charity of your choice.
