Helen "Joyce" Saunders (nee Fletcher)

With sadness we announce the passing of Joyce Saunders on January 13, 2026.

Predeceased by her parents Donald and Vernice Fletcher, and her husband Joseph George Saunders.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Suzanne (Wayne) Harris and grandson DJ Harris, daughter-in-law Cathleen Halama, and grandson Cody Halama, and special adopted daughter Lorri Pearce.

Also left to mourn Joyce and three brothers and two sisters, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was born in Portage la Prairie, and grew up in Westbourne, Manitoba. She met her husband Joe while he was hauling gravel in Westbourne. They married in May 1965, and their daughter came along in October.

Mom was an amazing cook, she worked at the Co-op (Wickers Family Restaurant). She also had a restaurant and liquor store in Westbourne. Once her and Joe moved to Portage in 2003, she worked at M&M Meat Shops until her retirement.

She loved gardening, bird watching, watching curling, and horse jumping, and spending as much time with her grandson DJ as she could.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in her memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com