Joyce Johnson was born August 18, 1932 in Lethbridge Alberta Canada. She grew up on a farm with six brothers and sisters. After high school Joyce attended nursing school in Edmonton Alberta. Upon graduation she began her adventure in the United States which brought her to Jackson, Wyoming. While working as a nurse, she married briefly and had two daughters, Kathy and Karen. After Jackson she began working in the OB ward as a charge nurse at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming, where she touched the lives of many young mothers and their babies. She was loved by the fellow nurses and worked closely with Dr. Gean Coats, whom she developed a close friendship with for many years.
Joyce met and married the love of her life, Grover Johnson. They purchased The Albany Lodge and embarked on a journey to give it new life. She continued to work as a nurse for several years while commuting from Albany to Laramie and back. She retired from nursing to focus solely on The Albany Lodge. After 16 years she and Grover retired to their dream home on Fox Creek Rd with an amazing view of Sheep Mountain. For over 25 years they traveled the U.S. and Canada in their fifth wheel with their two cats and dog, Midnight (“Night”). They traveled the East coast from Maine to Texas and everywhere in between. Alaska and the United Kingdom had a special place in their hearts as well. Many friends and family were astonished that the cats never ran off. They had a loving relationship through all their many adventures. Grover passed away five years ago.
Grover’s passing was a huge loss for everyone. Joyce refused to leave behind their mountain dream home for several years. This past year she sold her home in the midst of the Mullen Fire and came to live with her daughter Karen and son-in-law Kevin Kaiser. Accompanying her was her beloved companion Shilo.
She lived happily with Karen and Kevin until her passing at Davis Hospice on May 2, 2021. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Karen (Kevin) Kaiser and Kathy (Mike) Feeney, along with brother-in-law Chuck (Kathy) Johnson. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Chandale Pine, Bryson Johnson, Amanda Berger, and Codi Jacobs. As well as Great grandchildren Paul, Luke, Nicole, and Chloe.
Her last writing was “I the river, see the distant ocean. It is blue and tranquil and inviting. I feel at peace, I feel welcome, I am happy.”
A note from her daughter Karen… “I know you by heart Mommy”
Per Joyce’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Davis Hospice Center, 6000 Sycamore Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009.
Karen and Kathy, you know that your Mom was a dear friend and wonderful neighbor for many years. She was with me when Levi was born, just as she was so many other new mothers. Grover and Joyce both were just the best kind of people. I’m sorry to hear of her passing.
Kathy, Karen & family, Joyce was an inspiration! She was the head nurse on OB when I started practice in Laramie in 1981, and I had worked with her during medical school in the mid-70s. She was always kind, and had a special type of wisdom. She could solve any problem, and everybody ended up happy! I loved working with her--she was just the right person to help a young (new) doctor through those first few years. I know she adored Grover, and their life in Albany, and I'm so glad they got to spend lots of time there. Please accept my condolences on the loss of this very special person in your ---and many other-- lives.
Joyce enjoyed her life in the mountains, just the way she wanted it. She was a kind person.
To Karen and Family, I never met you, but we loved Joyce and Grover. We had our wedding reception in Albany, and we both worked for years with Joyce at the hospital. She was a great lady and care giver. John Rindler and Wendy Goode
Thank you so very much ❤️
I am so very sorry to read this. I grew up in the Centennial Valley knowing Grover and Joyce as a kid. Great people!!! Will always remember snowmobiling on weekends and having a bite in Albany. My heart, hugs and prayers to the family.
Joyce was a lady of friendliness and grace.
Kathy, Karen and all the family, Joyce was my first head nurse. I learned so much from her. She really cared for the patients, their families and all of the nurses. After Joyce and Grover bought the Albany Lodge, we all had some wonderful parties and meals. It was a great place to go. The kids had space to run and play while the adults got out all the food and drinks. They were special times for my family. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time for you.
Thank you so much Lois. I know mom was so very fond of you ? She had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful nurses at the hospital. I have received many many condolences from them❤️
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joyce was a wonderful lady and she will be missed.
Thank you so much Gerry ?❤️