Joy Sikora

Joy passed away April 18, 2023 at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

Marjorie Joy Howie was born March 21, 1934 to Cecil and Nellie Howie in Tantallon, SK. Joy had eight siblings; Murton (d), Keith (d), Bea, Garnet, Betty, Gaylene, Allan, and Terry.

Early farm life involved helping with chores, animal care, gardening, cooking, and cleaning. She attended Nurmi Oji School, a one room schoolhouse near Tantallon until Grade 7, then Tantallon High School until Grade 11. But at age 15 she had to quit school when her mother and sister became ill with Tuberculosis. They had to receive treatment for 2-3 years at Fort San in Lebret, SK. Joy looked after her young siblings with all the responsibilities of a mother as well as cooking for a harvesting crew of eight men.

Joy married Ted Toth on April 18, 1953. Ted was in the Air Force so they moved several times before finally settling in Esterhazy, SK. They had eight children; Sandy, Pat (d), Wendy, Rick, Kate, Ron (d), Howie, and Meme. That marriage ended in 1973.

Joy married Fred Metzler in 1976 and welcomed his children to the family; Berna, Garry, Denise (d), and Darren (d). Joy and Fred’s marriage ended in 1985.

She moved into her own little house in 1985.

On October 31, 2009, Joy married Wilfred Sikora and became stepmother to his children; Wilfred Jr., Richard, Edward, Verna, Cheryl, and Jeannette. Joy and Wilf enjoyed their life together for over thirteen years. She was greatly admired for her kindness and devotion to family, friends and community, often being described as “a really neat lady”. Joy worked at St. Anthony’s Hospital for many years. She was instrumental in organizing the CUPE Union and also served as President, retiring in 1999. Her community involvement included the Catholic Women’s League, United Church Women, Golden Jets, Meals On Wheels and Welcome Wagon. Her pride and joy was her award-winning flower garden, and she spent many hours making it fabulous! She was blessed with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  

Left to mourn are her husband, Wilfred Sikora, children Sandy Hogarth (Kevin Blanchette), Wendy Clague, Rick (Marty) Toth, Kate Groseth (Henry Kuczynski), Howie Toth (Kristin Trondson), Meme (Mike) Koch. Her siblings Bea Huber, Garnet Howie, Betty Harrison, Gaylene (Roy) Warner, Allan Howie (Karen Payant), Terry (Donette) Howie, stepchildren Wilfred Szikora Jr., Richard (Lela) Szikora, Edward (Anna) Sikora, Verna (Clint) LaLonde, Cheryl Creamer, Jeannette (Dave) Greenley, Berna (Bill) Chupa, and Garry (Marie) Metzler, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-children.