Obituaries

November 6, 1937 - June 29, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Marjorie "Joy" Morrison announces her peaceful passing on June 29, 2026, at the age of 88 years. Joy passed away at Valleyview Hospital, surrounded by family, much love, and care.

Joy was born on November 6, 1937, at the Dr. McIntyre Maternity House in High Prairie, Alberta, to Bob and Hazel Smith. The eldest in her family with four brothers and one little sister, she became the apple of dad’s eye. She travelled to school with horse(s) and often looking after siblings. At the age of 17, she was dealt a thyroid challenge that required radiation and caused her to miss some school. She ultimately went on to graduate with her younger brother a year later in 1956.

After high school, Joy moved to High Prairie from the family farm outside Enilda and worked at the Royal Bank for a few years. During this time, she met Everett Morrison at a hockey game and the rest is history … they were married on May 5, 1961. Their children soon followed: Wade in 1962 and Shelley in 1965.
After finding homestead land in the DeBolt, Alberta area, Everett and Joy made the move in 1966 to what would become their home for more than 57 years. During those years, Joy took on many tasks at home and in the community. She loved baking and enjoyed feeding all who came to visit or celebrate special events. Joy became the first rural route mail delivery contractor out of DeBolt, which she faithfully did for 22 years, from 1981 to 2003. She drove in all weather and road conditions and truly did her best for everyone on the mail run. There were a few kids that became her side-kicks and for many years they made the mail route miles with her. She loved all the thank you cards & often thoughtful gifts at Christmas time.

As her retirement from the mail run came to be, Joy was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. She faced this with the utmost positive attitude throughout the following years keeping pace with the growing family and ranch. She was respectfully referred to as the “real boss” on cattle drives. Then she was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2022 the same week they moved to Shepherd’s Village in Valleyview, Alberta. She loved the company and atmosphere at what was called “the Pond”, the condo in Valleyview. Her resilience, strength, and positive outlook will be remembered by all who loved her. She never waivered in her health journey no matter what came her way.

Joy will be forever missed by her husband of 65 years, Everett Morrison; her son Wade Morrison (Teresa Plante); her daughter Shelley E. Morrison; her grandchildren Cooper Morrison (Michaela Huber), Skylar Morrison (Jordan Morrison), and Brooke Belanger (River Parsons); her brother Robert "Bubby" Smith (Theresa Smith); her sister Colleen Tindall (Peter Tindall), brother-in-law Wayne Morrison (Drina Duncan), sisters-in-laws: Carrie Withers and Evelyn Morrison as well as numerous nieces and nephews that were near and dear to her.

Joy was predeceased by her parents, Hazel Smith and Robert Smith; her brothers Kenny Smith, Harold Smith, and Roy Smith; her sisters-in-laws: Corinne Steinke, Eunice Ward, Bertha Smith, Joan Smith, and Eileen Smith; her brothers-in-laws: Dennis Morrison, Rufus Morrison, Ted Steinke, Alfred Morrison, Dale Ward and Norman Withers; and her daughter-in-law Cheryl Morrison.

The family would like to thank the Valleyview Hospital staff for their care during Joy's final weeks, and Dr. Jacobs for her diligence, kindness and understanding throughout the last 17 years with Joy’s health concerns.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1:00 – 4:00pm at the DeBolt Centre, tea to follow.

Interment for immediate family TBD

Memorial donations: Valleyview Hospital, 4802 Highway Street E, Valleyview, Alberta T0H 3N0

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca