Joyce Tracy was born at the home of her parents, Charles and Lois Thiele, on January 9, 1946, at Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. She began her education at Churchbridge Public School, overcoming a battle with Rheumatic Fever that resulted in her missing a year of school in her third and eleventh grade. Her love for music and a thirst for knowledge developed early as she achieved her Grade 8 Piano through Toronto Royal Conservatory and her grade Twelve education from Churchbridge High School in 1965. Joyce made a profession of faith in her teenage years and became active in the youth group of the Churchbridge Church of God.
Upon graduation, Joyce pursued her dream of moving to Calgary and beginning her work and education experience as a data technician. It was during this time that she met and married the love of her life, Mel Janzen, on March 21, 1970. In 1971, they packed up their little trailer and two cats and moved to Merritt, B.C. After a few months they both found work in Kamloops, where Joyce worked as a computer key punch operator until the arrival of their daughters, Renae and Melody. Joyce worked periodically as a computer technician while raising their daughters, caring for persons in need and supporting her husband as he worked in the construction field and for the City of Kamloops.
In 1974, Mel made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, encouraging Joyce to recommit her life to the Lord. Together they became active in the ministry of the Kamloop’s Full Gospel Church and soon after Joyce became active with Women’s Agloo International. This consumed much of their life for the next 15 years as their family grew in the faith and knowledge of the Lord. This brought immense joy to Joyce as she and Mel became further involved in ministry to the Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Red China, where they smuggled Bibles to the underground church. During the early 90’s, Joyce and Mel became active in planting a church in the Tappen area. In 1996, the Janzens decided to move to Sorrento fulfilling Joyce’s dream of becoming involved in full-time Christian service while living in her ‘dream home beside the lake’.
After 2003, following the death of Pastors Mel and Shirley King, Joyce and Mel, became ordained pastors and joined the Canadian Fellowship of Churches and Ministries, while pastoring here at the New Life Outreach Church in Tappen. Joyce has poured her heart and life into service; loving, shepherding and providing counselling to the people whom she came to serve as a Child of the King. Joyce remained faithful until her going to her Lord Tuesday, November 22, 2016, as Peter stated in 2 Timothy 4:7 , “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Lois Thiele, and is survived by her husband of 46 years, Mel Janzen, daughters Renae, and Melody (Andy) Picklyk; sister Sharon (John) Penny, brothers Bradley (Susan), Garland (Elize) and Dewey (Joan) Thiele, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, 11 nieces and 10 nephews, and in-laws Rick (Donna) Jansen, Verna Drack, Laura (Allan) Black and Carol Sandville.
A celebration of life service was held on Sunday November 27, 2016 at 2pm at the New Life Outreach Church, Tappen, BC. A reception followed the service allowing friends and family to continue sharing memories.
Online condolences may be sent through Joyce’s obituary at www.bowersfueralservice.com