Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 12:00 a.m.
Budau, Joyce Mae
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.
Guestbook (39)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Joyce.
Heartbreaking news of Joyce's passing. Always had time for a chat beit the hospital or a curling rink. Always with her wonderful welcoming smile. God Bless.
We spent many years with Joyce through the Lethbridge Host Lions Club, serving others. We enjoyed our time together and were saddened to hear about her untimely death. We know she will be missed, we count her as a great friend
Our Sympathies are with you, God Bless
I will always cherish the many memories of your Mom - from my CGIT leader to curling coach to our ladies league super spare. My thoughts are with all of you.
Your Mom's service was a great tribute to her. I have many wonderful memories of working and curling with her. May your memories be cherished and know that she will always be with you.
Donna. The memorial you girls had for your mom was beautiful. All those memories will be treasured forever.
We are very saddened by your Mom's passing and your great loss. The Lethbridge Curling Club has lost a very dedicated member. Bill was the last to have her on his Senior's team. The day after her passing, our team felt her presence as she guided us to victory. Win or lose there was nothing less than enjoyment and laughter. We will always remember her as a most modest person with a big smile.
Michelle, Gerald and family - please accept my sincerest condolences. I know this is an extremely difficult time for you all. I hope your sweet memories of your Mom will always bring you comfort. Love, hugs and prayers Hazel Nisbett
What a wonderful tribute to your Mum. May the love and memories help you through this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy.
Michelle, the memorial service was beautiful. Thank you for sharing the story of your wonderful Mom. We think of you guys often - and especially so now as you are grieving. Hugs and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
The service of your mom was very touching. We gathered here at Ernie's with special memories of Northside and family times.
My most sincere and heart feltcondolences to Donna, Michelle and Jodi, along with all their children, spouses and extended family members with their great loss of their mother, mother-in-law, grand mother and awesome friend! I only had the privilege of knowing Joyce for a short time and for the past 12 years we were fellow Lions Club members and good friends, not near long enough but whatever time we did know each other I will cherish forever! May she rest in peace and her memory go on forever!
We met at Ernie's and shared tears and smiles in remembrance of our wonderful and beautiful cousin. We want to extend our condolences and our love to you girls and your children.
Michelle, Donna, Jody and families; We are so sorry for your loss. Joyce will be missed by many; but by no one more than you. Please take care.
Thinking of you at this most difficult time. Cherish your many memories as we will.
Joyce was a very special person, she will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
Beautiful photo of your Mom, I will miss her so much too - my thoughts and prayers are with all of you today and in the days to come. Sincerely Trudy
Sorry for your loss, Joyce was a good and friendly neighbor.
We are saddened by the sudden, tragic passing of your mom and we share your grief. Although I never knew Joyce, judging by the pictures you have shared, and the tributes you have written, she lived a life filled with joy, and so fulfilled her name. Her passing is devestating. Please know we are praying for you
We have had the pleasure of knowing Joyce for many years through her work with the Lions Club. She was such a fun loving and vibrant lady always ready to serve. Her smile and laughter would light up a room. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
Michelle, Gerald and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Hold on tight to all the memories. Sincere condolences, Brent, Francesca and family
My sincerest condolences to Joyce's family. Memories of Joyce will always be with me, as one of her nursing sisterhood. Class of 1962, Holy Family Hospital, Prince Albert.
So sorry for your loss. Joyce was a wonderful lady and she will be missed.
I knew Joyce from our Lions Club and always enjoyed working with her. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who loved her. She was always eager to serve and a valued member of our club.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Joyce was my NUM in Day Procedures for many years. From our antics of kidnapping Emerg's witch and her bringing it back through the emerg bay to her managing of our department, she made coming to work fun.
So very sorry to learn of your mom's passing - such a vibrant and caring lady. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
I have known Joyce for several decades of curling together in the Women's and Senior's Leagues. She was such a lovely person, so positive and fun to be around, and so eager to help out and volunteer at various curling functions and events. My deepest condolences to Joyce's family. I will miss Her.
My sincere sympathy to all for the loss of such an amazing woman! No one can take her place and I know how lucky I am to have had some time with her. Joyce will always have a place in my heart. Hugs
How very sad to hear of Joyce's passing. I got to know Joyce as a fellow leader in CGIT. She was such fun and very inspirational to the other leaders. My sad condolences to your family!
I curled with Joyce and had lots of fun and laughs. I volunteered with Joyce at the Lethbridge Food Bank and enjoyed my time with her. I am so sorry for her families' loss, she was a genuine wonderful lady.
Joyce's family: So very sorry to to learn of Joyce's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and pray that God will guide you through this very difficult time. We have lost one of our LIon's family members and her absence at our Lions functions will be deeply missed.
Condolences to all the families .
Met Joyce many years ago and always enjoyed our conversations. Loved her passion and competive nature. We will miss her.
So very sorry for the sudden loss of your Mom. Will miss her smiling face at the curling rink.
I was saddened to hear that Joyce had passed away. I had the pleasure of curling with her earlier this season in the 50 plus senior league in Lethbridge. She was a joy to be around and a very good curler. My condolences to the Budau family. Joyce will be greatly missed.
Dear Joyce, We shared a brief moment of your wonderful lifetime, but your warmth and kindness will be a long lasting memory. You welcomed us with an open heart, and we will forever be grateful. Your legacy will surely live in the beautiful memories of all the hearts you touched, including ours. We feel truly honoured to have met you; rest in peace and love. Jody, Donna, Michelle and family, our deepest condolences. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. Andres, Samuel and Lucia Cardona.
My deepest sympathies to you all. I have nothing but good memories of mom. Take care of one another during these sorrow times.
Joyce was such a wonderful lady with a beautiful personality . She was always ready to help out whenever needed. She will be missed by all who knew her. My heart and prayers go out to all her family. May the memories you treasure give you comfort.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of your insightful, playful Mom. My heart is with you all.