June 11, 1945 – January 22, 2026
Joyce Tarnowski was a woman whose life was defined by love, devotion, and quiet strength. She passed peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born and raised in Woodridge, Manitoba, Joyce was the beloved daughter of Frank and Nellie Gerus. Her early years were rooted in family, faith, and community—values that would guide her throughout her life.
At the age of 12, Joyce moved to Winnipeg, where she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School. It was there that her compassion for others and her strong work ethic continued to grow. Fate stepped in when Joyce went on a blind date with Adam Tarnowski. The connection was instant, and the two fell deeply in love, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted 55 years.
Together, Joyce and Adam built a life centered on family. She was a proud and loving mother to three children: Page (Robert Spulnick), Dawn Tarnowski, and Adam (Marsha Gallaway). Joyce’s joy only grew with the arrival of her six cherished grandchildren—Lyndsay, Matthew, Keith, Anthony, Presley, and Jackson—as well as nine great-grandchildren who brought her endless happiness and pride.
Joyce and Adam’s journey took them to Kenora, where mom ran the lunch counter while dad was on the train, before returning to Winnipeg three years later. Adam started his own business and the family bought their first home in Garden City, where they lived for 14 years. Eventually, they settled in Fraserwood/Malonton, a place they would call home for 30 years and where Joyce’s deep roots in community life truly flourished.
Throughout her life, Joyce wore many hats. She worked at Eatons and the Stock Exchange, kept the books for her husband’s business, and served as a dedicated homecare worker. No matter the role, she brought care, diligence, and kindness to everything she did.
Joyce’s heart for service was evident in her countless volunteer roles. She gave generously of her time as a PTA volunteer and with the Girl Guides of Canada, she was a Brown Owl, Girl Guide Captain, and Camp Coordinator. She also served as a catechism teacher, was a devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League for 26 years, and proudly served as President of the Gimli Soccer League for five years. Her commitment to helping others shaped countless lives and strengthened the communities she loved.
Above all, Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her deep faith, her servant heart, and her gentle presence. She was the quiet glue that held everything together—a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and volunteer whose legacy lives on in the lives she touched.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Gimli, with interment to take place at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers Jackson Tarnowski, Presley Tarnowski, Anthony Tarnowski, Keith Spulnick, Matthew Spulnick and Eden Leahy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Gimli Hospital for their excellent care, compassion, and kindness.
Joyce Tarnowski will be deeply missed and forever loved. Her memory will continue to shine through the family she cherished and the communities she faithfully served.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joyce’s memorial page using the comment field below.
You were my rock mom. There’s not enough words to describe how much I love you and how thankful I am for everything you did for me growing up and for my family. You were there whenever we needed you. You gave so much to us, your love and compassion, you made sure we were always fed, you comforted us when we were sad, listened and helped when we were mad. You brought us up in faith so we would have a great relationship with God. You sang us to sleep with songs like You Are My Sunshine and Immaculate Mary. You hosted every family get together during the holidays. And we will always miss your world famous potato salad. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the costumes and scarves you made for me throughout the years and I have and will wear them proudly and think of you everytime I put them on. You are back with Dad up in Heaven and we will be reunited together someday soon. I love you mom and will miss you forever.
We are so very sorry Adam our thoughts and prayers are with u and your family at this very difficult time
May she RIP
Many blessings to u all ❤️ 🙏 ✨️
Our Heartfelt condolences to Page ,Robert ,Dawn ,Adam ,Marsha and your families
A beautiful lady inside and out who always shared a story or joke 💞
May she rest in peace 🙏
Fr. Ben , Gladys Graboweski and family ❤️
Thank you for your condolences. She was beutiful inside and out. To know her was to love her!
Sending our most sincere condolences to all Joyce’s family and close friends. Thinking of you all,
My condolences to the Tarnowski and Spulnick famillies. Joyce was a jolly person. She and her family were known to be very dedicated community people. Lou Laferriere and family.
Thank you for your kind words.
Love you all much and will miss her like crazy. so happy I got to see her before she departed to better place. No more suffering! The tears that I shed are tears of joy not sadness. Having her as such a good friend for many years was a great gift. I will never fotget her and always remember her … gone but not forgotten.
I WISH HEAVEN HAD VISITING HOURS
Mona thank you for your beautiful words. Mom cherished your friendship too. I am so grateful you were able to visit her often and she loved playing crib and going out for Chinese Food with you. It’s unfortunate you weren’t able to go that one last time. I agaree with your wish. I miss her dearly too.
We were so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing and send our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family. She was a good friend to my wife Anne (deceased), sincerely Mike Penziwol and Family.
Thank you for your kind words. I’m sure they’re having a great celebration and reminiscing.