Joyce Irene Friedrich

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joyce Friedrich on May 16, 2023, at Penticton Regional Hospital, with family at her side. Joyce was 86.

Born in The Pas, Manitoba on June 16, 1936, the daughter of Mark and Esther Buck and youngest sister to Cecil, Marie, Richard, Stella, Hazel, Leonard, Gloria, and Donny (all predeceased).

Joyce, predeceased by her beloved husband Tony and son Durwood, will be forever missed and remembered by her daughter Nicole, son Shaun, daughter-in-law Naomi, and granddaughter Monet.

Joyce is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Joyce grew up in Kississing MB on the lake front, before moving back to The Pas at age 13.

After attending college in Winnipeg, she returned to The Pas to work in The Dominion Bank, then was selected by The Bell Telephone Co of Canada, which was servicing the Mid-Canada Line, and transferred to the RCAF airbase at Cranberry Portage.  When the airbase closed, she worked at Hillier Paper in Winnipeg.

There she met the love of her life, Tony Friedrich, marrying and eventually moving initially to Victoria BC, then in 1966 building their first house in Sidney, raising a family, and becoming members of Peace Lutheran Church. 

In Dec 1980, the family moved to Tsawwassen, on the mainland, then Guildford, becoming members of Faith Lutheran Church.

Years later purchasing businesses in West Kelowna and then Kimberley BC, then retiring, building a home in Princeton, and founding Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

For health reasons, Joyce and Tony moved to Penticton, becoming members of Concordia Lutheran Church, living first near Skaha Lake and then Cherry Lane Towers.

In 2008 her dear Tony was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and as the disease progressed, she and Tony helped to start a Parkinson's exercise and support group.

Joyce was easy to approach and welcoming and had many friends.  Her perseverance during Tony's decline revealed determination and resilience in the face of hardship.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 3rd, 2023, at 1 pm at Concordia Lutheran Church in Penticton, BC.

We also welcome you to watch the graveside service on Monday, June 12th, at 10am by clicking the link below.

Family and friends are invited to share a memory or leave a condolence for Joyce’s family by visiting www.providencefuneralhomes.com