Obituary

Joyce Gienger passed away October 5, 2021, at Silverado Care Facility in Bellingham. She was born July 14, 1930, in Victoria, B.C., one of eleven children of James and Janet Godfrey. She proudly became a naturalized United States citizen in 1954. Joyce was preceded in death by loving spouses, E. Warner Erickson, Elias “Ally” Gienger and Harvey Pheifer, son, Stan Erickson, granddaughter Lindsay Erickson, beloved niece Jackie Glass and daughter-in-law Mary Seiwert.

Joyce loved being with family and people. She was a bookkeeper at Morse Hardware, B&B Furniture and Parberry’s. She donated time to her children’s activities at Congregational Church, Job’s Daughters, Cub Scouts and more. She was a special Nana who taught her grandchildren card games, crafts and told them stories about delivering milk before school. She passed on her love of the ocean with time at Birch Bay and her love of reading to many of us. She always made you feel special and part of her life.

Joyce was a lifelong knitter and enjoyed learning new crafts to share. We all have many fine items to remember her by. She loved card games, especially Pinochle, cribbage and every new card game. Giving away items was a special time for Joyce as she downsized and gave her mementoes to family. She was also generous with loans to help her kids and grandkids get started with homes and schooling.

Many of us share the “Godfrey laugh” and the room was bright and loud when the sisters, daughters, nieces, and Joyce got together. She became a traveler when Warner won a raffle ticket cruise to Alaska. It resulted in more cruises, bus trips and time in Reno. Then with Ally, she took to RVing with a trip across the country and 2 trips to Alaska. With Harvey, she loved the peaceful twilight years among the wildlife at the Bow acreage and cabin.  She had a strong faith in God through life’s sorrows, and also it’s joys. Her spirit, kindness and smile will be remembered.

Joyce is survived by her children: Nadean Meyer (Bill), Lori Erickson (daughter-in-law), Harvey Erickson, Meg Brotnov (Mort), and Sharon Aparton (Craig), 11 grandchildren: Eric Meyer (Krista), Lisa McCann (Ross), Jill Erickson (Alex), Tim Erickson (Bri), Shayna Erickson (Dan), Josh Erickson, Abbie Erickson (Takuma), Matthew Brotnov (Marica), Marcus Brotnov (partner Tarsy), Scott Posey, Clint Posey and 3 great-grandchildren, Cody and Corbin McCann and Grady Meyer. Her brother, Jim Godfrey, sisters, Ruth Myhre and Christine Doney and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

The family will celebrate her life with a short graveside service at Bayview Cemetery October 16, 2021. Memorials can be made in Joyce’s name to your favorite charity.