Obituary of Joy Aspen

Joy came into this world in October 1930 at the Tisdale Hospital. Joy was the first daughter born to George and Elsie Philip. Joy was raised on her parents’ homestead farm in the Soldier Settlement of Copeau District. Joy lived a happy young life, enjoying helping her parents on the farm. Life in the 1920’s, 30’s and into the 40’s was anything but easy. “It was not until in later years that I totally understood what life in the 20s-30s-40s had really been like! I did not realize either, the full extent of the price each of my parents paid physically in struggling to make a good life for all of us! I pay tribute to both of them.” Joy schooled at Tall Poplar, Rivercrest and Carragana schools. In 1949-50, Joy attended Teachers College (Normal School) in Saskatoon, obtaining her Teacher’s certificate. Joy taught in Bertwell, McQuarrie, Porcupine Plain and Pringleton schools. Joy married Edgar Aspen (Joy’s co-pilot for life) on July 9, 1954 at the Presbyterian Church in Carragana. Joy continued to teach as well as help out with a growing farm in often difficult times. Together, they had four children: Gerald, Linda, Keith and Sandra. Together, Joy and Edgar farmed for 42 years in the Chelan/Copeau areas. Joy enjoyed her big gardens, flowers, hardanger, the coming of spring, dancing, visiting with family and friends, camping/fishing trips and the adventures of travel overseas during the later years while on the farm and retirement. The trip to the Orient stands out as one of Joy’s favorite trips. Other travels were to Scotland (where Joy’s Dad came from), Norway, Australia, across Canada and through many of the USA states, wintering in southern Texas/Arizona, capped off with a cruise around South America. Upon retirement from farming, Joy and Edgar moved to Tisdale and enjoyed continued travelling, fishing trips with friends (yes, Joy was the person to beat to catch the first fish!), many card games and dances at the Seniors Centre, a yard filled with flowers and a bountiful garden. Joy was a member of the Tisdale Health Auxiliary, as well as a member of the Tisdale Seniors Centre. Joy is lovingly remembered for her smile, her unconditional love to her family, her dedication and love for Edgar, her kind heart, her love of spending time with family and friends. We are Very Proud to have been your sons, daughters, grandson, granddaughters, great-granddaughters and sons , and great-great-granddaughters and sons. We are your legacy! We will honor and cherish your memory in our hearts. In this life, Joy was predeceased by her parents, George & Elsie Philip; her father & mother-in-law, Ole & Anna Aspen; her loving husband of 63 years, Edgar Aspen; her brother-in-law, Keith Harris; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Clara & Olai Thomasgard, Myrtle & Paul Bergh, Anne & Kenneth Aspen, and Lenora Aspen; and her great-grandson, Cody Weselak. Joy is survived by: Son, Gerald (Sheila); Granddaughter Leah Weselak, children Chantelle (Scott) Ritchie, Bailey Weselak, Tanner (Vanessa) Weselak, Kavanaugh Weselak; Granddaughter Melissa (Erik) Hjorteland, Children Chloe (Jason) Hengen, Hannah Hjorteland, Karina Hjorteland; Granddaughter Lindsey Boiteau, children Scott Boiteau, Alyssa Boiteau. Daughter, Linda Aspen Baxter; Granddaughter Meaghan (Chris) Miller, David Baxter (Stephanie Taylor) Son, Keith Aspen and special friend Donna Yelland Daughter, Sandra Aspen Sister, Jean Harris; Nieces and Nephews: Lane (Lynn) Harris & family, Tim(Glenda) Harris & family, Cory (Janet) Harris and family, and Carla Harris. Joy’s memory will also be remembered and cherished by great, great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The family of Margaret Joy Aspen extends their sincere gratitude to all of the staff at the Tisdale Hospital for their care and compassion during Joy’s stays, as well as to all the friends and family for their well wishes and kind deeds during this time.