Joyce Milvina Espey

Joyce Milvina Espey

It is with profound love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mom, Joyce Milvina Espey (Moffat) on February 11 at the age of 90. Her quick wit and ability to spark laughter remained with her until the very end.

Our Mom was born on March 20, 1935. She was one of 6 daughters born to Bert and Maud Moffat of Rapid City. After the passing of her mother 28 days after Mom was born, she was later blessed with a stepmother, Eddie, and eventually a little sister that joined the family. At the age of 16, and after completing basic schooling, mom moved to Rapid City and worked as a Bank Teller. This was well suited for Mom, and she spent the rest of her life managing the farm books and all financial and administration duties.

She met our dad, Gordon Espey, and they were married November 28, 1953, in Rapid City.

Mom and Dad started their farm adventures near Cardale which lasted 60 years. Mom embraced being a farmer’s wife. She not only raised 3 children, she drove the grain truck, made all of the meals (with exceptional baking skills), tended to a massive garden, maintained a beautiful yard with flower beds, sewed our clothes, knitted our mitts and toques, and cared for the many animals that come with farm living.

Being a part of a community was also part of farm life. Mom was an active participant and choir member of the Cardale United Church for over 70 years, the UCW, Cardale Rink, Cardale Sports Day – you name it and mom was at it making something delicious for the event.

Mom’s love of music shone through her choir commitment, attendance at local concerts and plays, and dedication to ensuring we learned piano, organ, guitar, drums, and bagpipes.

In 2014, mom and dad sold the farm and moved to Rivers. They maintained their connection to the Cardale Community while embracing town life and daily walks to the coffee shop. They enjoyed this time in their lives. Mom remained in their home in Rivers after Dad’s passing in December 2020 until March 2025 when she moved to River Heights Terrace in Brandon.

Mom is survived by her three daughters, Judy (Charlie Hall), Lois, and Lori (Jason Milroy). She is also survived by her stepfamily including grandsons Graeme (Andrea), Tyler (Channy), and great grandsons Liam and Matix. In addition, Mom is Auntie Joyce to dozens and dozens.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Brandon Assiniboine Centre medical team and associated therapies along with our remarkable community for the tremendous support to mom and her daughters.

Donations can be made in mom’s honor to a community organization of choice. A Celebration of Mom’s life will be planned in June 2026.