Obituary of Joy Hrabia

JOY HRABIA Joy Hrabia (nee Merchant) passed away peacefully on Friday evening September 19, 2014 at Parkside Extendicare, Regina SK, at the age of 88. She was born January 6, 1926 at Penzance SK, the only child of Frank and May Merchant. Joy was predeceased by her parents, and in 1997 by her loving husband Tony Hrabia. She lived her early years with her parents on the farm near Penzance. After several discouraging farming years with the drought and dust storms of the 1930s, Joy's father Frank had an opportunity to teach school in Alberta. The family lived at Amisk, AB for twelve years, and then returned to the farm near Penzance. Joy first came to Regina in the 1950s, and in the early 1960s began a career with the Saskatchewan government health department which continued to her retirement in 1984. On October 10, 1994 Joy married her long-time friend Anthony “Tony” Hrabia. He passed away March 27, 1997. Joy enjoyed music. She played the piano for church with Regina Fellowship Assembly, and sang with the Regina Ladies Choir for almost 30 years. Joy loved visiting with people, and often met friends for coffee and lunch. She was a kind, gentle, and soft-spoken person, who always showed love and appreciation. Joy brightened people's days with her smile and cheerfulness. This continued with the residents, staff, and visitors at the care home right to her final days. Special thanks goes to Alvera Wolf, who cared for Joy for some time, and also to the staff at Parkside Extendicare for their care and kindness to her over the last two years. Much gratitude is extended to her church family, friends, and relatives who loved, helped, and cared for her. Also thanks to Dr. Mbanza, her family doctor. The Funeral Service will take place at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Penzance Cemetery at Penzance, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joy's memory may be given to Global Missions Inc, Box 934, North Battleford, SK, S9A 2Z3.