Tribute

“A woman who Fears the Lord”

Proverbs 31:10-31

On January 12 th , 2022, Joyce Ethel Imogene Luyken, closed her eyes peacefully as she ascended to her Father’s house. Joyce was surrounded by her family in her room at TRIM, The Residence in Mission British Columbia, Canada at the age of 86 years. Joyce was born July 12th , 1935, in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana to parents Harold Charles and Imeg Vivienne Carter. Joyce is survived by her children, Anthony Luyken (Irene), and Sharon Armstead (Willie Sr); grandchildren Willie Jr. (Shannon) and Taylor Armstead and Aieisha and Nakai Luyken; great grandchildren Lena and Kayson Armstead. She is preceded in death by her son Ricardo Luyken and granddaughter Nakysha Luyken, her beloved husband Siegfred Luyken (01/07/2020) and brothers Norman (Margaret) (Valerie) Vivian & Alfie and Cecil (Jean) and Nephew Andre. Joyce also leaves a host of dear friends and cousins who loved her dearly.
Joyce attended Ramlochan High School, New Amsterdam, Berbice Guyana, where she graduated and met the love of her life, Siegfred Hilario Luyken. They were married at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church on
November 3 rd , 1956. After the marriage, the couple moved to Linden, Guyana, where they raised their family of three children, Anthony, Sharon, and Ricardo. Siegfred, began employment as a science instructor, teaching Chemistry and Biology at McKenzie High School. Joyce was mother, wife and homemaker to their three children. The couple emigrated to Calgary, Alberta Canada in 1972. Joyce pursued employment at Foothills Hospital, Calgary Alberta working in the Central Supply Department, later becoming a General Supervisor, and then retiring. She shared the love of football, wrestling and her weekly lotto runs. with friends and family.
Though Joyce lived with chronic Parkinsons, what her children will remember is her fierceness and stoic life as she battled with this disabling disease. Never backing down from a fight, as kids we saw her resilience and strength, as she navigated the role of being the best mother. Joyce and Siegfred inspired us to be confident and courageous, and to know who we were in the world. Joyce Luyken’s “look” was known to sit you down. Our mother was much respected for her strength and character. She fought to the end with dignity. Thank you, mommy, for showing through your deeds the importance and love of your children, you were much loved! There is no better example of motherhood or being an excellent wife or friend as displayed by you.
Her dear friend Phyllis shared “Seven years of courting and 63 years of marriage, there were no others” This represented the love life Joyce and Siegfred share while navigating their journey together.
Joyce is now celebrating the opportunity to reunite with the love of her life, her youngest and the rest of the family awaiting her in the Lord’s house.
We would like to thank the staff at TRIM, The Residence at Mission for the amazing care given to our mother, especially during her time of passing. The love and empathy, expressed during this time to mommy and our family was truly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s memory to Parkinson Canada: https://www.parkinson.ca
Joyce will be buried with the love of her life, Siegfred Luyken in Calgary, Alberta, where their youngest
son Ricardo Luyken is resting. The Service (10 am) and Celebration of life (11 am). Both will occur on
March 15,2022 at Highwood Lutheran Church, 419 Northmont Dr. NW. Calgary, AB T2K 3H7.