It is with sadness that the family of Mary Joyce Delphine Meyerhoffer, Wawatay Pinacy Kwe, also known as Gramma Bear and Wee Girl, announces her passing on October 12, 2020 at the age of 71 years old.

Joyce is predeceased by her parents Henry and Margaret Musqua; siblings Joseph Patrick, Spencer,  Joseph Blair (Sammy), David and Kenneth Musqua, Georgina Lincoln, Margaret Billy-McLaughlin, Mary Magdeline LaTullipe (Tiny), her “Darling” grandson Dennis Musqua and her son-in-law Ken Prigotzke.  

She leaves behind sisters: Virginia Musqua, Tony McCune, and Geraldine LeBlanc; and her children Angie (Doug), Alex, Dwight, and Delephine (Chris). Her grandchildren, Delphine (Logan), Ashley, Stallone, Terri-Lynn (Dakoda), Chelsea, Christen (Carter), Mikaela (Jaziel), Savanna (Christien), Jayden (Jasmine), and Jacob.  Followed by great grandchildren; Kennedi, Tianna, Jesse, Joseph, Genesis, Journie, Alaya, Timothy, Bentley, Byron, Bailee, Bequem, Leona, Tyrell, Hope, London, and Seraya. Joyce also has many relatives (cousins, nieces, nephews), too numerous to mention. A special mention of her Sister Virginia Musqua, God Mother Audrey Cochrane, her advocate Ceanne Dusyk, and her good friend Barbara Kjeldson. And we mustn’t forget her “puppy” Samson. 

Joyce’s compassion and ability to help others impacted many lives throughout her long career with the Regina Public School Board. As an Elder-in-Residence Joyce was known to everyone as Gramma Bear. When in public there was rarely a locale that she did not run into someone she knew, whether it was a co-worker, committee member or student.  Joyce loved her job so much that even while battling cancer she continued to work enthusiastically every day that she could.

Joyce loved her family passionately and enjoyed spending time with them. During her spare-time she could often be found cheering on her grandchildren and great grandchildren in sports and traveling to family gatherings or cultural events.  Joyce enjoyed teaching traditional art such as beading and sewing to her family. She particularly enjoyed making star blankets. She loved a good game of Bingo, a rousing game of Yahtzee or just hanging out at the lake or “club”.  

Joyce was a fierce advocate, a trusting confidante, a reliable counsellor, a woman of great empathy and most of all a caregiver of people and culture. Her spirit and influence will live on.

Joyce’s life will be celebrated on the Keeseekoose First Nation, the wake Wednesday October 14, 2020 and the funeral October 15, 2020. A lunch will be served after the burial.

We ask that if you want to celebrate her life, you light a candle, grab a slurpee and have a Yahtzee night with your loved ones, as those were some of her favourite pastimes.