MCKINNON, Joy Elizabeth

January 23, 1952 – October 15, 2019

With deep sadness we announce that Joy McKinnon passed away in Calgary, Alberta with her loving family by her side.  

Joy was born in Hamiota, Manitoba to Bernard and Betty Miller and moved to Alberta in 1975 residing in the Big Hill Springs area and later living in the town of Cochrane.  She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and was a member of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA) and Canadian Footcare Nurses (CFCNA).

Joy lived a life of service to others through her work at the Edgemont Seniors Residence, through her own footcare business, JEM Footcare, and through her involvement in her church and other helping organizations. Joy also loved gardening but her grandchildren, her family, and her dedication to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, were first and foremost, the most important in her life.

Joy will be deeply missed by her three sons; Earl (Crystal) of Cochrane, Mark (Jackie) of Evansburg, AB, and Ryan (Samantha) of Spruce Grove, AB; her six grandchildren Rayla, Rylan and Reid of Cochrane, and Sydney, Callie and Zoey of Evansburg; her five sisters, Hazel (Chelsea) Schindel, Esther (Don) Hansen, Eva Irwin, Merrilyn (Mark) Irvine, Ruth (Rick) Brugger; and many other extended family and wonderful friends. Joy is predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Betty, and her brother-in-law John Irwin.

A private family interment will take place at the Cochrane Cemetery. A Celebration of Joy’s Life will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Cochrane Alliance Church (902 Glenbow Drive, Cochrane, AB T4C 1J2). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calgary Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmycalgary.org). 

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On 17/10/2019 at 4:32 pm Carol Parkin Said:

    This is so incredibly sad. Joy was aptly named. Such a wonderful gal. We will be praying for the family and this loss.
    Love Gary and Carol Parkin

  2. On 17/10/2019 at 5:37 pm DK and Brenda Hale Said:

    We will be praying for ALL of you, as you process Joy’s sudden passing. What a delightful, vibrate lady! She will be missed by her Family, Church Family, literally scores of Footcare Clients, and so many of us Friends. May our Lord Jesus grant to you sons the wisdom needed … to make the necessary decisions!!!

  3. On 17/10/2019 at 10:43 pm Janice Nilson Said:

    My most heart felt condolences to Ryan and Samantha and all of Joy’s family for this incredibly great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  4. On 18/10/2019 at 1:48 pm Jacquie Adams Said:

    My sincerest condolences ❤❤

  5. On 18/10/2019 at 3:06 pm Debbie & Steve Hochachka Said:

    With heavy hearts we say “goodbye for now”. We lost touch for a while but reconnected while our children were still little. Over the past years we’ve been Facebook friends and although we made some efforts to get together in person again, it never happened. Time passes far too quickly, and now we’ll wait until eternity, and then spend all the time together that we want. Joy was delightful, truly a joy: her smile lit up the room wherever she went. She will be missed by so many. God bless her family as they carry on the traditions and selfless love she taught them and radiate her love for life.

  6. On 18/10/2019 at 4:31 pm Bernice Hall Said:

    Earl, Mark, Ryan & extended family, I am so saddened to hear of Joys sudden passing. I worked with Joy & she always had a positive, happy attitude. She was thought highly of by all the residents & co-workers. She always spoke about her boys & family & was so proud of you all. I know how difficult this journey has been but she is in the presence of the Lord that she loved so much. Praying that you will find comfort knowing that she is no longer in pain & has a new body. Blessings & hugs to each of you. ❤️

  7. On 18/10/2019 at 11:04 pm Janice Lorraine Campbell Said:

    Joy’s Family Please know how heart broken I am for you. She was my best friend in high school.

  8. On 19/10/2019 at 1:57 pm Joy (Emerson) & Jerry Morrissey Said:

    We are so saddened, but know this beautiful cousin will be welcomed home to God and the angels and her parents, awaiting all of our reunion. We were so grateful to be reunited with Joy some years back at Esther and Don’s home in Scottsdale, AZ. I (Joy) knew Joy and her sisters as a teen before our family moved to the US. My father was her mother’s cousin and were quite close. She, like all the Miller girls was an amazing woman. It is unfortunate we are so far away and cannot personally console the family.
    Love, Joy & Jerry Morrissey

  9. On 19/10/2019 at 2:53 pm Shirley Dale Said:

    My thoughts and prayers with you ,even thou I will be unable to be at the funeral service I will be thinking of you !

  10. On 19/10/2019 at 3:21 pm bill rutherford Said:

    most of my memories are from when joy was very young living in hamiota—she was a lovely person and will be missed but we will remember she is in a better place.

  11. On 20/10/2019 at 4:38 pm Pattie Berger/David Berger Said:

    Joy was such an amazing woman. She took such great care of David before he passed.& She has taken wonderful care of my mother in law and me. She will be welcomed by her Lord and saviour as he only takes the very best. Desz

  12. On 20/10/2019 at 4:39 pm Pattie Berger/David Berger Said:

    Joy was such an amazing woman. She took such great care of David before he passed.& She has taken wonderful care of my mother in law and me. She will be welcomed by her Lord and saviour as he only takes the very best.

  13. On 23/10/2019 at 8:55 am SD Said:

    My sincere condolences to the family McKinnon for the lost of your beloved mother, sharing this message from the Bible where our God Jehovah promised a resurrection for our dear ones Acts 24:15, and give everlasting life here on the earth in a renewed paradise Psalms 37:11,29, while we wait for these blessings in a near future that the peace of God be with the family.

  14. On 24/10/2019 at 9:58 am Barbara & David Wyman Said:

    To Joy’s family,

    With sadness we read of Joy’s going home to heaven. We were neighbors down the street on West Terrace Crescent and enjoyed our visits at the mailbox or on the walking path. Her Tupperware parties were great fun. We always thought of her as we drove by her house. We will pray for your family in this great loss. Barbara and David Wyman

  15. On 24/10/2019 at 11:42 am Loraine and Kent Liang Said:

    Dear Ones…
    I cannot come up with the words to describe how much your mom, mother-in-law, grandma, and sister, is missed, and will be missed in future days. Be assured, that our prayers will continue for you….as you look forward to to seeing her again…
    “Life at best, is very brief…. Like the falling of a leaf…” May you be comforted by wonderful memories…. and the love of each other… and all who hold you dear…..

    ahh. words….. they fail… It was Joy who popped in with flowers when times were difficult for me… Forr sure she is now rejoicing… She will always be remembered.

  16. On 24/10/2019 at 11:57 am Lorna Hansen Said:

    Dear Earl, Mark, Ryan ,
    Although I’m unable to attend Joy’s funeral today, my thoughts are with you .I have always admired your mom’s strength as she walked through this life. Blessings to you as you celebrate your mom’s life today.

  17. On 24/10/2019 at 12:34 pm John and Rosie Forsyth Said:

    Our condolences to you in your loss. Joy was a delightful lady. Our thoughts ar with you.

  18. On 24/10/2019 at 1:29 pm John Sinclair Said:

    Joy there was always a smile and a hug when Joy was around

    my sincere condolances to her family and all who Knew her

  19. On 24/10/2019 at 2:54 pm Clare copithorne Said:

    To Joy’s family
    Joy was a blessing and delight to all who knew her, she will be sadly missed.
    God bless as you celebrate a beautiful life.

  20. On 25/10/2019 at 10:39 am Chris and Charlie Williams Said:

    To Joy’s Family. Once in a while a person comes along who is the essence of amazing grace, the peacefulness of the soul and the passion for sharing God’s love that surpasses all others. That was Joy. We will miss her more than I can say. You, her family are a shining example of how to support, your Mum, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, niece and sister, in her last days. Thank you for sharing her with us.

  21. On 26/10/2019 at 12:54 pm Diane Voss Said:

    To Joy’s family,

    I was shocked to see in the obituary column of the Cochrane Eagle, Joy’s name. My deepest condolences to each of you during this very sad time.

    I have known Joy for several years during her career as a foot care nurse. I, too, was a foot care nurse and when I was retiring she willingly took on most of my clients. She will be sadly missed by many. She had the love of Jesus in her heart and may the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

    Blessings.

    Diane L. Voss

  22. On 26/10/2019 at 6:25 pm To Joy's family & her sisters families Said:

    Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
    Take comfort in your special memories of Joy
    Who touched so many lives. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and held close in our
    hearts.
    Alan & Bernice King

  23. On 02/11/2019 at 4:28 pm The Hunts Said:

    To Earl, Mark and Ryan and your families. Our hearts and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. Your Mother was a wonderful women, full of goodness. She will be sorely missed. With our heartfelt sympathies. Mary-Jo, Ashley, Brydon and Jocelyn Hunt.

  24. On 02/11/2019 at 9:27 pm Becky Dand Said:

    So shocked to hear of Joy’s passing
    I was fortunate to work with her at Edgemont assisted living
    Her smile , her professionalism, and her big heart were evident on a daily basis
    Rest easy sweet Joy

  25. On 27/04/2020 at 11:05 am Stephanie Fradette Said:

    Earl and family,

    I am very sorry for your loss. My most sincere condolences.
    Take care,
    Stephanie Edge