Joyce Salome (Shannon) Wagner

Joyce Salome Wagner passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the age of 93.

She is survived by her sons, Gary (Susan), Larry (Irene), and Guy (Ramona); her grandchildren, Tiffany (Jason), Clarisa, Rianna, Lorne, and Lauren; and her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kayli, and Ashton.

Joyce was born on August 17,1932, to Mary and Wesley Shannon in Fork River, Manitoba. Her family later settled in Canoe, BC, where she and her younger sister, Fay, grew up. In 1955, Joyce earned her nursing degree and met her future husband, Lorne Wagner. They married and started their family shortly thereafter.

Lorne’s career with the RCMP took the family to communities in Ontario, Western Canada, and Yellowknife. Along the way, Joyce continued to build her nursing career, primarily in the intensive care units and emergency rooms. She led a busy, active life devoted to raising her family, running her household, and managing a demanding schedule. She especially enjoyed ensuring her growing, energetic boys were always well fed and supported in their many sporting activities—pioneering the role for future working “hockey moms.” Later in life, Joyce found great joy in becoming a grandmother and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her five grandchildren.

After 43 years of nursing, Joyce retired in Harrison Hot Springs but did not slow down. In addition to enjoying gardening and her cats Peanut and Murphy, she pursued her love of travel: snowbirding annually in Arizona, cruising the Panama Canal, touring Newfoundland and Labrador, exploring Israel and Egypt, going on safari in Africa, and visiting family across Canada.

She continued to perform volunteer work and enthusiastically supported her senior activity centres in both Mesa and Agassiz. Through these, she formed cherished friendships and a vibrant social life. She especially enjoyed playing cards, including weekly games with friends, and was still regularly playing cribbage at the age of 93. She also kept her nursing passion alive, continuing to assist and care for her fellow residents at her long-term care facility, where she was admired by all.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband and her sister and is now resting peacefully with them. A private family interment will be held at Mount Ida Cemetery in Salmon Arm in accordance with Joyce’s wishes.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Mission Creek Landing for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Joyce during her residency.