It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, JOY ESTHER MITCHELL (née Mutchmor), on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 85 years.

Joy was born December 21st, 1937, to Doris and Reverend Dr. Harry A. Mutchmor in Estevan, SK. As the daughter of a minister, Joy's early years were spent in various communities, including Lethbridge and Regina, while her summers were spent on the Manitoulin Islands. Joy went on to complete her nurses training in 1959 at the Regina General Hospital, and so began her career as a Registered Nurse.

Joy married James Mitchell of Regina, and in 1965, they moved to Swift Current with their two little girls, Barb and Laura. She remained in Swift Current for 21 years, until she and Jim parted ways. After a short career move to Lloydminster, she relocated to Cabri, SK. with treasured partner, Rob Haydon. Together, they enjoyed life in the close-knit farming community. They became Snowbirds in Arizona, where they loved to square dance and spend time with their southern friends. In 1993, Joy retired from nursing. She loved nursing and was proud of her contribution to the profession, knowing she had touched many lives with care and compassion. She was particularly fond of her supervisory roles in ICU and Pediatrics.

Joy cherished many hobbies and pastimes. In earlier years, she was involved with Beta Sigma Phi and became a Brownie leader to spend quality time with her daughters. She volunteered with the Cabri Hospital Auxiliary, the Legion and the United Church Women. She joined choir groups and loved to sing at home while playing her piano. She played Bridge weekly and became adept at the game. She had a passion for gardening and especially loved her Rose Gardens. She was an excellent seamstress making outfits for her daughters and, their Barbie Dolls. Joy loved birds and took pleasure in the challenge of attracting Purple Martins to her yard. She had a soft spot for cats and had many treasured feline pets over her life time. She enjoyed baking and was famous for her Christmas Poppy Cock that was coveted by all.

Joy is survived by two daughters: Barb Zahara (Dave Dubnyk) of St. Albert, AB and Laura Graham (Lonnie) of Lethbridge, AB. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Chad Zahara (Veronica Mendoza) of St. Albert, AB, Dane Zahara (Brittany) of Airdrie, AB, Bailey Dubnyk (Tyson Corti) of Stettler, AB, Shay Graham of Calgary, AB and Bria Graham of Vancouver, BC. She is survived by three great-grandchildren: Hunter Zahara, Hudson Zahara and Colter Corti, her sister Sallie McDonald of Regina, SK and her brother John Mutchmor of Boston, Massachusetts.
The family extends a very special thank you to the staff at Good Samaritan Seniors Residence in West Lethbridge, for their loving care and comfort provided to Joy during her time there.

A private service will be held by family at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society (lethbridgehumanesociety.com)