Joy Mary Walterson

Joy Mary Walterson (Rempel) was born to John and Eva Rempel in Winnipegosis, Manitoba, on December 8, 1951.

Joy grew up on the family farm as the second eldest of eighteen children and spoke German at home. Helping on the farm, she learned the value of hard work and a job well done. Joy would challenge her younger brothers to work as hard as she did, and they had trouble keeping up with her when baling.

After an accident in 1962, Joy’s sister Elizabeth passed away from her injuries. Her sister’s experience inspired Joy to go into healthcare to help others. At seventeen she moved to the big city of Winnipeg to train as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while nannying to support herself. Joy graduated from Red River Community College and began her first nursing job at Misericordia Hospital. 

Joy began dating Bjarni Walterson in high-school and they married in 1971. Their daughter, Shannon, was born in Winnipeg in 1973. Robyn, a sister for Shannon, was born in Winnipegosis in 1975. The family lived on farms in the Winnipegosis area until they moved to Swan River in 1984 and Minnedosa in 1989.

Throughout her nursing career, Joy worked in various positions in Winnipeg, Kenora, Winnipegosis, and Swan River. She was an excellent nurse, and was passionate about ensuring that all her patients received high quality treatment. Joy especially enjoyed working with the elderly population, and transitioned to a position as Resource Coordinator for Home Care in Swan River, then Brandon, and finally Erickson.

After “retiring” from Home Care, Joy’s part time work as a reflexologist became a full time job as her client base expanded and she was certified as an instructor. With Joy teaching and Bjarni as tech support, the two travelled Manitoba and North Dakota teaching reflexology workshops. Joy passed her knowledge on to some of her grandchildren, running a weekend course for them. Joy loved helping her clients, and walked with many through their health challenges, cancer journeys, pregnancies and deliveries. She continued this work until the time of her passing. 

Joy was a healer and a helper throughout her life. She had a deep faith in Jesus, and exemplified the commandments to love God and love one’s neighbour. Joy loved people tangibly- she was always ready to help with prayer, medical advice, recipes, and a listening ear.

Joy loved her church and community. She had the gift of hospitality and enthusiastically welcomed everyone who visited. It was hard to get her to sit down, because she liked serving people so much. Over the years, Bjarni and Joy opened their home to numerous nieces, friends and exchange students who needed a place to live for a time.

Joy made the journey home to her Heavenly Father on January 15, 2025, and was reunited with her daughter Robyn, sisters Elizabeth and Naomi, brother-in-laws Dave McVey and Allen Purdey, niece Krista Walterson, parents John & Eva Rempel, in-laws Kris & Lucille Walterson, grandparents, and other loved ones. 

Joy’s family missing her here on earth include her husband of 54 years, Bjarni Walterson; daughter Shannon Baquie, chosen son Kelly Ellingson; grandchildren Riley Baquie (Jacob Olmsted), Emma Baquie, Nathan Baquie, and Alexandra Mummery; siblings Esther (Tim) Haverluck, John (Linda) Rempel, George (Mary) Rempel, Dave (Shannon) Rempel, Ed Rempel, Eva Purdey, Mary Bergen, Martha (Jake) Ras, Herb (Laurie) Rempel, Bernie (Tammy) Rempel, Jake (Carolyn) Rempel, Shirley Johnson, Sharon (Steve) Korney, Doug (Nancy) Rempel, and Susie (Matthew) Bunka; brother-in-law Laurie (Sandra Walterson) and sister-in-laws Sheila (Clay) Bullock, Karen (Dale) DePottie, Lee McVey and Crystal Walterson, and so many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joy also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Maggie, whom Joy firmly believed could understand every word she said. 

Joy loved her family deeply and showed up to watch her nieces and nephews’ concerts, plays, volleyball games, equestrian events, and everything in between. She baked cookies, held babies, and gave reflexology treatments. Her Albertan grandchildren visited her most summers, and will always cherish memories of berry picking, pickle making, and gardening with Grandma. 

When most people think of Joy Walterson, the first thing that comes to mind is her smile. It was big, and warm, and welcoming. She was a kind and joyful person, not because she didn’t have hardship, but because she loved the Lord and shared his love with everyone she met. She impacted the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

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