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.