In a heartfelt farewell, Joyce Pauline Baragon, formerly Adank, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, at the remarkable age of 97, surrounded by the warmth of sunshine, music, and the love of her family.

Born on December 26, 1927, in Vancouver to John and Elizabeth Adank, Joyce enjoyed a joyful and carefree childhood in the vibrant neighborhood of Kitsilano. She spent her formative years swimming at beaches, playing tennis, and exploring the outdoors on cycling trips with her sister, Jaqueline. Her adventures included memorable train rides on the Interurban Railway to Sumas Prairie, where she discovered her passion for gardening and farming, laying the groundwork for her future life.

Joyce’s high school years at Kitsilano High were filled with friendship and activities; she cherished her school days and often sang "Hail Kitsilano," a tribute to her alma mater. While working at the Hudson Bay Company and picking fruit in the Okanagan during summer breaks, her artistic talent shone bright, leading her to attend Vancouver Art School, where she aspired to specialize in fashion illustration.

However, fate had different plans for Joyce. On a visit to her grandmother in Blackpool, British Columbia, she met rancher Harry Stenberg, and the couple married in September 1948. This union kicked off a transformative journey from city life to running a remote log cabin on a ranch.

By 1950, the couple welcomed their first child and eventually settled in West Langley, where they raised a bustling family of six children by 1962. The neighborhood thrived with other large families, fostering friendships that lasted a lifetime. Joyce and Harry became pioneers in British Columbia's poultry industry, working hard to ensure their family’s prosperity.

In addition to her family life, Joyce dedicated time to volunteer work, contributing her energy to the Women's Auxiliary to LMH and providing counsel at Langley Family Services, showcasing her commitment to community service.

After Harry’s passing, Joyce found love again in 1978 when she married Walter Baragon. The couple shared joyful days on the farm, investing their time in raising cattle and nurturing a beautiful garden. Joyce was known for her generosity, often gifting friends and family with bountiful produce from her garden and delicious homemade pies. Their shared love of travel took them around the world, creating beautiful memories, with Hawaii capturing a special place in Joyce's heart for its culture and music.

Joyce spent an incredible 74 years living on her beloved farm and in her own home, where her joyous spirit never waned, even in her final months. She maintained her uplifting nature, regularly sharing smiles and affectionate words with her caregivers, especially dear friend Chona.

Joyce leaves behind an immense legacy as a loving mother, mother-in-law, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered for her unending kindness, generosity, and embrace of everyone she met.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter, her son Mark Stenberg (Mary Jane), and sister Jaqueline Sullivan. She is survived by her children: Elaine DePedrina (Bruno), David Stenberg (Mary), Eric Stenberg (Cathy), Susan Stenberg (Rick Cornelius), and Julie Smit (John), along with seventeen grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her spirit and love.

As we celebrate Joyce's extraordinary life, we are reminded of the power of love, community, and the indelible mark she has left on the hearts of many.