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Budau, Joyce Mae

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We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beautiful mother Joyce Mae (Bentz) Budau of Lethbridge, Alberta on January 17, 2022, at the early age of 80. She was active, feisty, good-natured and we are devastated by this sudden loss.

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beautiful mother Joyce Mae (Bentz) Budau of Lethbridge, Alberta on January 17, 2022, at the early age of 80.  She was active, feisty, good-natured and we are devastated by this sudden loss.

Joyce was born on March 8th, 1941, to John and Dagmar (Wiberg) Bentz in Paddockwood, Saskatchewan.  Mom cherished her upbringing surrounded by family - her Grandmother Wiberg, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Each holiday and special occasion were celebrated together.  She loved living on the farm working with the animals, especially riding horses, as she found it peaceful.  Joyce loved playing sports - curling, baseball, and hockey - something she enjoyed her entire life.  She was valedictorian for her high school class in June 1959.

Mom was a Registered Nurse for almost 40 years, graduating from the Prince Albert Holy Family Hospital School of Nursing in 1962.  She spent most of her career at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital (Chinook Regional) ending as the Head Nurse of the Day Procedures Unit, retiring in 2001.  

Joyce met Irvin Budau while working in Unity, Saskatchewan and they married in 1963.  The couple moved to Moose Jaw and had two daughters.  They spent two years in Prince Albert before moving to Lethbridge in 1969.  Daughter number three joined the family in 1974.  After 27 years together they divorced.

We are proud of the community service mom gave to the city.  Faithfully active in the United Church, including being a CGIT leader; played, volunteered and coached at the Lethbridge Curling Club and events; enthusiastic member of the Lions Club by fundraising, supporting the Blind and Visually Impaired community and the Eyeglass campaign which also led her to volunteer at the International Lions Humanitarian Vision and Health Clinic In Mexico for several years, and received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for her humanitarian service; and worked at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen and the Food Bank until she "retired" from volunteering at the age of 80.  She had many very close friends whom she enjoyed curling, golfing and socializing with. She was an avid walker and could be seen hiking the coulees and communities in West Lethbridge.  Mom was never without a book in hand, puzzle on the table, or hand-crafts on the go.  

Joyce was a dedicated, supportive, and loving mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend.  She leaves behind daughters Michelle (Gerald Catonio), Donna (Jim Albizzati), and Jody Maskiewich, her grandchildren Brittany, Ash and Trista Catonio, Alex and Tony Albizzati, Maggie and Kaden Maskiewich, her brothers Allyn (Sharon) and John Jr. (Bev), sister-in-laws Noreen Bentz, Carlene (Budau) McInnes, and Linda Budau, plus her many nieces, nephews, cousins, her closest pals/sisters -  Beth Campbell, Anne-Louise Plaxton, Enid Pepper and her daughter Jody Ortleib -, and her many dear friends.  

Joyce Budau is predeceased by her parents, brother Dale, ex-husband Irvin, brother-in-law Glenn, and Gord (Carlene) McInnes.  

A family memorial will be held at the Cornerstone Funeral Home in Lethbridge on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 2:00PM with a live-stream service for all those who wish to pay their respects and join us online. It is limited to our immediate family because of Covid restrictions and the request of Joyce.  In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Food Bank, the Lions Club EyeGlass campaign, or a charity of your choice. Her presence is sorely missed, and her loss is deeply felt.