December 11, 1943 – November 21, 2023
at the age of 79 years:
Joyce’s story began on December 11, 1943 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She was the 5th of Dan & Margaret Wutzke’s 6 children. Her family moved near Lumby, BC, and then settled on a farm along the Peace River in northern Alberta in 1951. They also had a house in the nearby town of Berwyn so Joyce could attend school and piano lessons. Dan & Margaret surrounded their children with love, kindness, music, and fun. These values guided Joyce for the rest of her life.
After graduating from high school in 1961, she spent 5 years at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, becoming a Registered Nurse and then a Public Health Nurse. It was here that she made several lifelong friends (sisters) among her classmates. She worked as a Public Health Nurse at Innisfail, Alberta, Clearwater, BC and Rutland, BC.
In 1966, she spent 8 ½ months in New Zealand and discovered her love for traveling. It was also during this time that she discovered a passion for downhill skiing, hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. Other trips throughout her life included adventures to Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Africa, Canada, and the USA.
She moved to Salmon Arm and married Clayton Wesley Lank in December 1975. Becoming Mom to Lundy, Cody & Saralea, Mother-in-Law to Troy, and Nana to Ella, Tate & Wes were the most important and fulfilling roles of her life. She embraced Clay’s Australian children and their families. She was incredibly proud of her family and was always there to support, encourage, and celebrate. She was the biggest fan and most dedicated sports Mom/Nana, attending almost every game and keeping thorough statistics. She knew the location of every baseball diamond and football field throughout the province and the details of each player and their families.
Music was a huge part of her life from an early age. She played with her family for old-time dances and was the pianist/organist for countless church services, weddings, and funerals at the First United Church in Salmon Arm for 24 years. She cherished every student she met, every teacher/musician she worked with and every note she played during her 18 years as music accompanist for School District No 83. She loved her restaurant gig where she got to play all her favorites, including “Unforgettable,” “Georgia On My Mind,” and “What A Wonderful World.” She enjoyed playing with the Shuswap String Orchestra in her later years.
Joyce loved people and had the most kind, generous, and inclusive heart. She effortlessly made connections with people and was genuinely interested in everyone’s story. “Never nosy, just interested!” She truly celebrated and appreciated each day and inspired others to do the same. Her biggest wish in life was for everyone in the world to be kind to each other.
Furry friends played a special role in Joyce’s life, especially her horse Waco, cat Riley, and dogs Patti and Lulu.
Despite Joyce’s declining health, she remained brave, positive and gracious until the end. Joyce’s story is not over. Her memory and love will live on in her family, friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path. Think of her when you see a full moon, ski in the sunshine, hike a mountain trail, drink a good cup of coffee, groove to a tune, admire a flower, or cheer for your favorite sports team.
At Joyce’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joyce Lank Memorial Scholarship Fund at Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (or e-transfer joycelank@outlook.com) to support a student pursuing music in their post-secondary studies.
I am sad to no longer see Joyce’s smiling face when I go to orchestra. I feel that Joyce has always been in my musical life. The United Church, Shuswap Singers, school choirs, orchestra, Steve’s I’ll Be Seeing You productions, Steve and friends. Whenever a piano was needed, Joyce was ready to help out.
The last time I saw Joyce, we finally found a mutual free time for supper. We got A&W burgers and sat under the willow tree in Blackburn Park. We talked and talked and caught up. Then it was time for a baseball game and we hurried to the diamond where all her family was gathered. I could see how much they all meant to her.
Joyce was always welcoming, kind and caring. I will miss her.
Dear Lundy, Cody and Saralea: I was so sad to hear of your dear Mom’s passing. In 1980 I was appointed principal of South Canoe School and I remember you all. I know I’m preaching to the converted but Joyce was so welcoming to me . She was such a giver and she was a big part of why I loved being at that school. I eventually moved into a house right across from your family home. Subsequent principals loved her too; an indication of that was when she retired in 2008 Reg Humphries, Dave Edgell and myself attended her last concert at SASS and presented her with a bouquet. Dawn and I loved the letter that always arrived at the end of the year and listed the many activities that she had been involved in during the past twelve months. It usually left me feeling exhausted! I have spoken about Joyce with several people in the local music world and they all spoke about her with great fondness. She was one of a kind.
Hello to the Lank Family, I met Joyce when our kids attended South Canoe Elementary together (1980s). I have vivid memories of her joyful attitude and hardworking spirit, a friend to all. I was so moved when she personally delivered freshly baked cookies to my door in the early days after one of my kids was born. Such a simple act of kindness. I remembered it always. Rest in peace, Joyce.
Kind regards from Patrice Johnston
We would like to express our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear Mom. We were lucky to call her our friend, it was a pleasure to be in her presence. Joyce was an incredibly kind, generous and positive lady. A loss to our community, where Joyce shared her incredible talents and gifts. May all the precious memories of your Mom carry you during this difficult time, hugs to you all.
Donna & Jim Wright
Joyce was a warm, encouraging presence on my musical journey and I will miss her.
What a wonderful write up of her life in that loving obituary. I did not know Mrs. Lank well but met her when I was a young girl with horses and Mr. Lank was my go to for a farrier. Whenever our paths crossed over the many years since then she always remembered me and asked me how I was with genuine interest. She was a lovely lady. My heart goes out to her family.
Auntie Joyce you will be missed—full of life and music and laughter and happiness. No matter how much notice we gave you, we were always welcomed into your home. You never forgot to mail me a card on my birthday and we came to expect fresh cinnamon buns whenever we saw you. When I think of you I see music and food on the table, fresh fruit and fresh flowers and always a welcoming smile. You were generous and loving, and considerate and kind. You loved your children and grandchildren and all of your extended family and never missed an opportunity to be with them whether it was a birthday or a special occasion or a ball game or just “hanging out”. I have so many memories of special times with you—Easters in Berwyn, Beverley and I visiting you in Innisfail when we were 13 to 15 years old, and the last few years of skiing every spring–even 2023 when you skied with me at Sun Peaks. (You realize that Pat insists that I now have to ski for 9 1/2 more years to keep up with you!!)
Enjoy all of your wonderful memories Saralea and Cody and Lundy and Troy, Ella, Tate and Wesley and the same to all of the many cousins and extended family and friends. Joyce will never be forgotten by any of us who knew her.
Love, Your niece, Brenda
The world has lost the brightest of lights.
A much-loved mother to Cody, Saralea and Lundy. Cherished Grandmother to Ella, Tate and Wesley. To many a surrogate mother on the other side of the world, from where we had travelled. Taking in many and Australian, family or not and treating us like her own.
Hard to put into words the gratitude we have for you Joyce. Warm cinnamon buns baked well before sunrise, hot apple flasks on slopes of Silverstar and many, many adventure road trips. Not even avalanches could dampen your spirit. . . you would just smile and say ‘oh well we’ll try again tomorrow”. Sharing the joy of music with many – you are and always will be “JOYfull” in name and nature in my mind.
Big regrets to not have had one last adventure with you. My sincerest condolences to the Lank, Spence and all of your family.
Much love from a lifelong fan . . . Luke XXX
My heartfelt condolences. Joyce was a frequent library visitor, and we always had lovely chats! Her smiling face will be missed.
I first met Joyce in 1976, when Lundy was aged one and all three lived above the firehall. What struck me, was her infinite capacity for kindness; generosity in both acts and words. Joyce’s expression of unconditional love, conveyed through her warm smile, baked goods ‘care packages’, her welcoming home, greeting cards, milestone celebratory parties and passionate piano playing, not only for her family, but anyone who visited. And there are many of us. Joyce’s genuine interest in everyone she met, is also manifest in her contribution to music at Salmon Arm schools and churches. She had a life-long commitment to make a difference, whilst having fun! Reminiscing on what we’ve shared from 1983 to 2023 in BC and Australia, I consider Joyce not just my ‘evil stepmother’ but another sister, my life-long friend and a trusted confidant. And we mutually share delight in some of her ‘Top 70’ songs. On behalf of Lank descendants and many friends who had the privilege of receiving Joyce’s infinite yet simple hospitality, we thank you. I hope you’re upstairs partying hard with your other sister, Dazzling Deb.
Regards,
Michelle
0414 808 503
Auntie Joyce, you changed my life. I will always be grateful for you. XO
Our sincere condolences to Saralea, Cody, Lundy and their families.
I met Your Mom, Joyce when teaching in Innisfail in 1966. She was the Public Health Nurse for the schools in the County of Red Deer.
Her genuine interest and enthusiasm for life touched everyone she met.
Her love of music and the sharing of her musical talent with others always endeared me to her. Raymond and I always enjoyed listening to her play on Thursdays at the Restaurant in Salmon Arm.
She adored her family and talked
About their games and activities.
What a wonderful legacy she left her family.
Keep cheering for those Blue Jays!
Love to you all,
Ray and Bea
Thank You Auntie Joyce, for being a bright part of our lives.
Saralea, Cody and Lundy,
Deepest condolences. What a wild ride your mom and I had during our time at South Canoe Elem. So many laughs, outrageous shenanigans, and fabulous music to name a few. To those of us who knew her, we are truly blessed and will carry her kindness, generosity, and positive energy in our hearts.
Thinking of you, Heather McDonald
My deepest sympathies to Joyce’s family. From when I started raising my family, Joyce was on the periphery of my life. Through school musical events that my children and I attended, Pioneer Lodge dance nights where I hosted and she played the piano, On the town sports fields where we watched our children and grandchildren playing, and most recently, her interest in art. One day last summer, she walked into the gallery in a summer dress and sun hat looking so beautiful. She said she had been following my evolving art and it touched me as she has touched so many peoples’ lives. I always felt she was such a wonderful, kind and giving person. She will be missed by so many. Thankyou for a wonderfully written obituary.
Dear Auntie Joyce, you’d inspired my life as a spunky little sister; always on the go, with a lust for life and love for people that was astonishing.
You were not only “interested” in people, you remembered the details and sang their praises to others; such a keen social self.
The clean life; this is what you emulated; with always a kind word to share; a strong example of a caring nurse.
Finally, a lesson in positivity; that you would leave everyone you’ve met, with a warmth in their heart.
With music in your soul, rest in Peace dear Auntie.
What a blessing it was having Mrs Lank as a friend and role model while growing up. Her house always felt so comfortable, and smelt like cinnamon buns! Sorry to Joyce’s family, and everyone grieving her passing.
Saralea, Cody and Lundy, your mother was a very special person who adored her grandchildren.
It was a joy and privilege to know Joyce. She was my classmate in nursing school and she knew how much I loved listening to her play the piano in our dorm. We were roommates at the university in our 5th year. Joyce and I became “sisters” forever and though we lived in different countries, we were never apart. Our visits were precious. We talked, we hugged, we laughed and had this special bond. I shall miss your smile, your kindness and your loving heart. Play that melody…I am listening!
I have so many fond memories of this beautiful soul. She was always welcoming and patient and kind. As a kid, she was my first piano teacher (poor her) and her home was always open to a neighborhood of kids looking for entertainment on long summer days. I remember her riding her beautiful Waco – always with at least one dog trailing along. I remember her calm cool composure when a game of bounce on a tractor tire got out of hand and someone needed a trip to the hospital. (Sorry about that)
As an adult she was always happy to chat and find out what the family was up to. I also know how appreciated she was by the music teachers for her piano gift and ability to fit right in with the teens. She had so much love for her family and also for anyone else in her path. Lundy and Cody and Saralea, you have had an amazing and beautiful soul as a role model. I am so sorry you had to say goodbye too soon. Hold tight to those most treasured memories as well as the little moments. Hugs to you all.
Dana (McDonald)
We had the incredible pleasure to be neighbors with Joyce for the past 36 years. Joyce would call and wish everyone a happy birthday every year. Highlight to get the calls and often messages if we were out. She was also our children’s babysitter and at times the whole family would help out. Joyce was a bright light at South Canoe school, where she helped out with music and often cheered on the school sports teams. She will be so missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting her. To her family, do very sorry for your loss.
Sara Lee and family, Cody, and Lundy, we are sad to hear of your Moms passing. She was always so kind and always smiling. Our family have all been blessed to have known Joyce.
To Joyce’s family and Children so sorry to hear about your mom,she’s one of a kind in the universe above,they have welcomed another band member,she’s been loved by so many,a gift not alot given to many ❤️
What a great lady! We first met Joyce about thirty years ago when went to her home to pick up a puppy. And whenever we met thereafter Joyce was always pleasant and always smiling. We loved listening to her play the piano at events and other quiet venues. Salmon Arm has lost a real treasure. We know Joyce will be missed by many. Our thoughts go out to her family. Ken and Pam Jamieson
Condolences from Bonnie Vandevosse and her family,shared our kids growing up,she will be playing the keys in heaven I’m sure,so sad to hear of her passing
My deepest sympathies to Joyce’s family.
We are so grateful that Joyce’s passing was so peaceful and know that she is with family now who are in Paradise. Lundy, Cody and Saralea we will be keeping in touch and writing soon. So many choice memories of your wonderful Mom. We will never forget how she took care of Mom Lank when she had her cancer and had to go to Vancouver for radiation treatments. Your Mom was the one who drove her there and back. We will remember the fun Family Reunions also. The Lank – Penrose Family in Utah. Our Love to you.
Aunt Joyce is the best at music and large gatherings…with a heart full of love! Our Lank family will miss her conversations where she asks about all the family members and remembers each one of us. She made sure to include all the extended family from Canada, USA, Australia… keeping us always in the loop. Her face was beautiful and full of warmth, as is her personality. Joyce loves all living things….people, dogs, horses and her tender treatment of all meant a lot to me. Once when I thought I’d stepped ‘over the line’ I apologized and she came back with….’let it go….life is short.’ Her love extends to all who know her, and always will. We are thinking of Saralea, Troy and family; Lundy and Cody especially at this time.
I first met Joyce when she moved to Innisfail to work. I was living in a rented house with two other girls and we were looking for another girl to share the rent. Joyce moved in and thus began a friendship that lasted a lifetime. What can I say about Joyce other than she was a beautiful person and we became lifelong friends. We were young and looking for fun and adventure. The house was always full of laughter. We took up skiing and curling and began exploring Alberta taking short trips on weekends and holidays. We started to go further afield travelling to BC and the US. One summer we went to Alaska. We camped and took Joyce’s little Chevy Nova. It truly was an adventure. Joyce became like a sister to me. I know that her presence enriched the lives of so many people. She was kind, generous and thoughtful. She enjoyed life to the fullest and certainly was a great influence on my life. Joyce is off on a new adventure. God Bless. Joyce was very proud of her children and her grand children. Our sympathy goes out to them and may some comfort come to them knowing Joyce was loved and admired by so many whose lives she touched.
Our most sincere condolences to Lundy, Cody and Saralea (and family). Joyce was such a kind, caring and positive person. She gave so much of herself to so many people in so many ways. We’re sure that you will miss her immensely.
Condolences from Colleen and I. Joyce will be remembered well by us all.
Thank you Joyce for the light you shared and the friendship extended to our family. We wish you a peaceful journey.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom, Joyce. My family knew her from the ‘old’ days when she and my mother, Florence Poole, would take their horses riding on the back roads up behind Lakeshore Rd.. My Mother enjoyed many hours of riding with your Mom. We also appreciated Joyce’s gift of music at the Art Gallery events. My daughter described Joyce as ‘so lovely and the salt of the earth’. She really was a gift.
We have lost one of the best friends we have had for the past 60 years! What a wonderful person she was. We will always remember the times we have shared together.
Our condolences to her family, especially to Saralea , Cody, and Lundy, the rest of the wonderful family she has. We wish you all our kindest thoughts, during this sad time. Jerry, Mernie, and the rest of the ALDERSON family.
RIP Mrs. Lank condolences to the family on her passing.
To Saralea, Cody and Lundy. Your mom was such a special woman and she touched so many people. I have memories of her as a child, in Brownie camp, and South Canoe school events… all the way to being an adult and having her play piano for my family every year during the Christmas season. She was dearly loved by so many! Warm thoughts to you all during this difficult time.
Also my deepest sympathies to the family of Joyce Lank. She was so much a part of our community orchestra with her fine piano accompaniment during practice and performances. Joyce had such a peaceful disposition and always had a twinkle in her eyes. Rest in peace Joyce. Until we meet again.
Will miss you very much Auntie Joyce. I picture you with your parents, your oldest sister (my Mother Charlotte) and all your siblings around a piano with you and your sisters taking turns playing the piano and Grandpa and Uncle Carl playing the fiddle and Grandma making sure there was something to eat and drink for everyone.
Many condolences to Lundy, Cody, Saralea & Troy and family.
Our heartfelt, sincere condolences to the Lank & Spence family! Very sad news of Joyce’s passing! We will all miss her dearly, because of her dedication to her grandson’s baseball; and the Blue Jay games will never be the same without her cheering them to victory. She was a very important part of the Dan Wutzke family at all events. Her suffering has ended and she is now at Peace!
Love, Marge Ensminger, Curtis & Jan; Sheri, Kenton & Brady Sommerfeld
My deepest condolences to all of Joyce’s family. Joyce was so lovely. Her presence in music was remarkably up lifting for me and all our members in the String Orchestra. Joyce was always so kind and unconditional in her giving to our music. We miss her so much. I wish for her so much peace and all the love in the world to her beautiful soul.
to Saralea, Cody and Lundy, So Sorry for your loss. We love you guys. Ray and Chris Partridge, Kathy and Robert and Daniel Groeger, Lynne,Steve and Laurel Hook and Audrey And Haley Partridge and Jason Young.
Sincere Condolences to the Spence and Lank families. So sad to hear of the passing of Joyce. She will be truly missed by so many. She was known to us through the years that she followed her grandchildren through Hillcrest Elementary and baseball. She definitely was Salmon Arm’s greatest baseball fan! Always welcoming and supportive of all baseball kids and their families. I will miss the laughs and great conversations with this amazing woman.
Condolences to your family.
Rest in peace Joyce. Such a beautiful soul.
Always special the way you and Luke exchanged greetings on your shared birthday!