Joyce Bohay 1950 — 2014

Joyce Bohay

5 February 1950 – 15 September 2014

Joyce, or ‘Joycie’, as she was known to more than a few, packed a lot of living into 64 short years. Born in Saskatchewan to loving parents John and Tina Storzuk, Joyce grew up in Wynyard in a little blue house beside her childhood best friend, Kathy.  She was the youngest of four and the only girl and John was fond of spoiling his daughter.  She told tales of being the first kid to get a bike with hand brakes which she showed off until she crashed on the only hill in town.  In 1967, Joyce met Orest, the love of her life, and they married in July of 1969 and moved to Kitimat like her three brothers before, Ray, Merv and Bernie, (the boys).  A son, Trevor, was born out west while Tracy was born in Regina.  The small family moved back to Wynyard in 1974, and when the kids were old enough, Joyce worked at the Wynyard Bakery (moonlighting as a cake-decorator), and then at Stedman’s, followed by a stint at the Co-Op as the ‘produce lady’.  Many great times were had with the Fichtner’s and other friends, and Fishing Lake was a favourite spot.

Eventually all things must change.  As great as Wynyard had been to the Bohay family, Joyce and Orest decided to move to Victoria, and then in 1994, the Bohays moved one last time, to Kamloops, where they would be near family once again.  Family was important to Joyce and it was inconceivable to be far from them.  Joyce and Orest continued to work hard, supporting their kids when needed and taking pride in the accomplishments of their children.  Joyce reveled in being a grandmother and spoiled her grandsons, Zack and Aidan, relentlessly.  She also enjoyed spending time with her daughter in law Heather.  Ten years ago, Joyce battled cancer for the first time.  She made a recovery, continuing to work in the office at Wal-Mart and being a fantastic grandmother.  Joyce was renowned for being good at three-spot and loved fishing.  She prepared a great traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner that even the fussiest of eaters came to look forward to, and there was always room at her table.  She was well-loved and fun to be around.  She had a loud, infectious laugh and enjoyed the ribbing bestowed upon her by her kids and her cherished brothers and in-laws; although if you took it too far, you’d hear your name through those clenched teeth as a warning to wrap it up.  Tracy’s friends called her ‘mom’, and Tracy’s partner; Will and his daughter, Brittany, enjoyed her friendship.

Joyce passed too soon, as did two of her brothers before her.  She didn’t get to enjoy retirement, and didn’t travel enough.  Still, she didn’t complain. She made the best of every day she had.

The thing she loved the most was spending time with her loving husband, Orest, who she remained in love with until the day he kissed her goodbye that last morning.   She leaves behind a loving family and a lot of friends.

Funeral services will be held at the Kamloops Funeral Home, Saturday, 4 October at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kamloops Hospice Society, where compassionate staff made her last days comfortable and dignified. 

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12 Tributes

  1. Kevin and Lori jones
    Posted September 19, 2014 at 10:25 am | Permalink

    Orest, Trevor and Tracy
    Sorry to hear about Joyce’s passing. Our condolesences to you and your family. She will be greatly missed. Lori (Beallie) and Kevin Brittany and Brady Jones

  2. Doug Richards
    Posted September 20, 2014 at 11:28 am | Permalink

    going to miss you MOM

    i know your looking at us from where you are and saying the beer is just as good here don’t worry I’m ok

  3. Gerry Magnusson
    Posted September 20, 2014 at 3:10 pm | Permalink

    Orest, Trevor, and Tracy, I am so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing.Although it has been may years since I last saw her I will always remember her infectious laugh.She was a great lady ,gone way too soon.

  4. Audrey Tymryk Sokul
    Posted September 20, 2014 at 3:45 pm | Permalink

    Orest, Trevor & Tracy
    I know words offer small comfort in your hour of sorrow, I do wish to express my sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved wife and mother. Please know that I consider myself blessed to have been neighbours in Wynyard and the honour of babysitting the kids!
    Deepest sympathy,
    Audrey Tymryk Sokul ❤️

  5. Rita & Glen Hitchcoc
    Posted September 21, 2014 at 9:07 pm | Permalink

    Dear Orest, Trevor & Tracy,
    Our sincere sympathy in your loss of Joyce, wife and Mom. May she rest in peace.

  6. Sherry Pearson
    Posted September 23, 2014 at 12:03 pm | Permalink

    I didn’t know Joyce but if she was anything
    Like her daughter, then I feel she was truly
    Blessed with a wonderful family. So very sorry about your loss Tracy. Big hugs and kisses
    To you & your family. Luv you. From auntie
    Sherry

  7. Opal Stenersen
    Posted September 24, 2014 at 12:18 am | Permalink

    Joyce was a wonderful lady, and I enjoyed working with her. My thoughts are with your family, and my condolences to you all.

  8. Bonnie McBride
    Posted September 24, 2014 at 4:47 pm | Permalink

    Orest, Trevor and Tracy

    I was so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and while reading the kind words you crafted for her I could hear her laugh and that ‘gritted teeth’ warning so well. I am sorry she won’t have time to enjoy her retirement and her grandkids… or more time with you, Orest. My parents and I will be at the service for sure. Take Care, Bonnie

  9. Patricia Blair
    Posted September 29, 2014 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    Orest,Trever andTracy

    So very sorry for your loss. I heard about Joyce from Dianne Kemp. I had the pleasure of working with Joyce in Kamloops Walmart for a number of years before I moved to Vegreville. She was an amazing lady and will be greatly missed

  10. Connie Olynyk Roney
    Posted October 1, 2014 at 1:24 pm | Permalink

    Joyce and I were very good friends in high school. The sleep-overs were so much fun in the little blue house. I always wanted to visit when I retired. Joyce, see you in Paradise! Take care,Orest. My deepest sympathy,Connie Roney.

  11. Elaine & Ross Perry
    Posted October 2, 2014 at 12:18 pm | Permalink

    Sending our hugs & love to you Orest, Trevor, Tracey, your spouses & families, Bernie, Bernice, Eileen, Joan & families too. We’re so sorry for the pain & loss Joyce & all of you have endured. Joyce had great strength & qualities as you described very well in her obituary. Her life was too short; everyone will miss her & her especially hearty, distinctive laugh for sure. We pray for all of you to find strength & ways to help one another throughout this difficult time.

    Our Love, Our Thoughts & Prayers from Your Family Roots in Saskatchewan
    Auntie Jennie, Sandra, Darlene, Ross & Elaine, Wayne & Deb & Families

  12. Mel&Colleen Kostenly
    Posted October 3, 2014 at 9:24 am | Permalink

    Orest,Trevor,Tracy & Families….
    Our sincerest condolences are with you. Joyce was a wonderful lady & will truly be missed! May God give you the strength & comfort to help you during this difficult time. Loosing a parent is very difficult, but the wonderful memories you hold will help find you some peace, laughter & closure. Take Care!

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