Joyce Anne (Scott) Lemke

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Lemke on September 18, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Joyce was born in 1941 in Rocky Mountain House to Allan and Margaret (Peggy) Scott. She was their first bundle of Joy-ce, followed by her sister Margaret and her brother Brent Scott. As a young child, she lived on the family farm east of Alhambra. She loved interacting with the many animals, especially the chickens, dressing up her kittens, and then going for a dip in the Lobstick creek. At age 9 her parents built a meat shop in Leslieville, and she lived there until grade 12. She attended the new David Thompson Highschool, where she enjoyed curling and high jump. A highlight for her was to compete in the provincial curling playoffs. 

Joyce continued to further her education at the University of Alberta, enrolling in the Junior Education program to begin her teaching career. Her first placement was at Crammond school, southeast of RMH, teaching grades 4, 5 and 6. It was in RMH that Joyce met her future husband, Hugo Lemke, who worked at the Hudson Bay Company. They were married in RMH on July 15th, 1961. They were excited to start a family and celebrated the birth of their first born daughter, Linda. She returned to U of A and acquired her second year of the Bachelors of Education program. Through hard work and perseverance, taking summer school and winter courses she completed her degree. In 1964, they welcomed the birth of their son Brian while living in Edmonton. Shortly after, they moved to Ponoka where they both found employment. She taught at Riverside school for 5 years. In 1967 they welcomed the birth of their third child, Teresa.

In 1972 she transferred to Crestomere School, where she taught for 17 years. She loved teaching and took pride in her creative classroom displays. Her
biggest reward was when a student would say to her, "Now I get it!" Her teaching career spanned 24 years. 

One of the happiest days of Joyce's life was when they purchased the farm in 1971. It was her dream to live off the land and be able to raise their family there. She spent many hours tending to her garden, from which she canned and preserved many vegetables and fruits. The storage cupboards were always overflowing with jams, jellies, pickles and sauerkraut. She loved picking berries and wild mushrooms. Joyce was an amazing cook, and could easily wing it in the kitchen without using a cookbook. In 1984 they welcomed the birth of their first grandchild Jennifer. Joyce enjoyed having a grand daughter to spend
summers with on the farm. 

Joyce was very interested in raising different birds such as exotic chickens, pheasants and peacocks. Raising a family, teaching and living on the farm kept her very busy. When she had spare time her hands were never idle. She loved handicrafts of all kinds which included knitting, sewing, cross stitch, making jewelry and soap. In the last few years Joyce did diamond art, and completed pictures for all her family. These will be treasured for years to come. 

In retirement years, Joyce enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and fly fishing. Winter months were spent south in Arizona, travelling and cruising. Much joy was taken in spending time with their three additional grand daughters, Sasha, Sadie and Sarah. In 2020 Joyce and Hugh moved into Legacy Place in Ponoka. In 2022 due to failing health she moved into Northcott care centre. She loved socializing, and taking part in recreational activities, especially playing bingo. Joyce was a loving and caring person, who was dedicated to her Lord. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Hugo Lemke and her three children Brian Lemke (Tracy), Linda Bergman (Frank), and Teresa Heringer. She had four special grandchildren Jennifer Bilyk, Sasha, Sadie and Sarah Heringer. 

Joyce was predeceased by her parents Allan and Margaret (Peggy) Scott; her brother Brent Scott; and her sister Margaret Tomanek.

A Funeral Service and celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Friday, September 26,2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ponoka with a luncheon will follow at the church. A private family interment will follow at a later date.

We wish to thank the Northcott Care staff Dr. Chan; Pastor Jay; and the Wombold Funeral Home staff for their compassion and care for Joyce and our family. Also, thank you to our extended family and friends for their support at this time.

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