Joyce Bailey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Joyce Ann Bailey passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, at the age of 96 years.

Joyce was born on August 6, 1929, in Denver, Colorado. Her family moved to Colorado Springs when she was in grade 12. After graduating in 1947, Joyce went to work in the Montgomery Ward department store. This enabled her to watch a fire truck rumble past the store most days with a handsome fireman driving. She later married that fireman, Bernard Bailey, in 1948. Over the next 24 years, they raised four children and went camping, fishing, and hunting in the mountains of Colorado.

In 1972, they moved to British Columbia, to a collective farming operation first near Invermere and then near Dawson Creek. After farming for a few years, Joyce and Bernard’s love of adventure brought them to caretake a ranch in Anahim Lake, and then road maintenance in Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Bob Quinn Lake, and Hudson’s Hope. They finally retired first in Pouce Coupe, and then in Dawson Creek.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband Bernard; parents Robert and Florence Crane; brothers Phil, Richard, and Gary; and grandson Jeremy Bailey.

Joyce leaves to mourn her children Judie (Randy) Stanley, John (Claudia) Bailey, Janet (Steve) Smillie and Jeff (Renee) Bailey; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Remi, Dr. Ricki, and the incredible staff at Rotary Manor for providing our mother with patient, kind, and attentive care over the past eight years.

In accordance with Joyce’s wishes, her earthly remains will be cremated and placed with those of Bernard in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. There will be no service as per Joyce’s wishes.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Joyce to the Rotary Manor Activity Fund, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 5A3.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium