After a life well lived, surrounded by her loving family, Mrs. Josephine Elizabeth “Joy” Groom (née Lauer) passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the age of 85 years. Joy was born in Strathmore, Alberta, on March 8, 1941 (on the couch at home). The family moved to Ponoka where Joy attended school, then went on to attend high school at St. Joseph’s Convent in Red Deer. She enjoyed sports, working hard, and spending time with family and friends.

While working at Jimmy’s Oasis she met “the alley man,” Ernie Groom. After a few Pepsi and red licorice dates, they decided they were meant for each other, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. After a honeymoon phase spent in Edgerton, they made their way back to Ponoka where all their kids were born. All her life she wanted to be a mom, and she became the best Mom and Granny! When Jody was sixteen days old, we made the move to Fort McMurray. Joy made many friends and she enjoyed ceramic classes, being a brownie leader, becoming the neighbourhood mother of Alberta Drive, and running “Mom’s taxi” for her children and their friends. Birthday parties and homemade cakes with money inside, creative art projects, and family traditions were her specialty. Summer holidays to Ponoka included visiting family, the Ponoka Stampede, zoo trips, camping and fishing, and even a road trip to Disneyland.

In 1979, we moved to Red Deer. She enjoyed her years working at Woolco, bowling, being closer to family, volunteering, card making, and garage sales. Joy was a great host. Family get-togethers, holidays, marble tournaments, and birthday celebrations – she always went the extra mile, used the good China, and made it look easy. Joy helped organize family reunions to strengthen family bonds. Games and cards were a big part of growing up at the Groom’s, and she made sure to pass that on to her grandkids (no cheating allowed – a card laid is a card played!). Many days were spent around the kitchen table sharing meals, telling stories, and remembering the good old days. Daily lunches out, dinner theaters, and treasure hunting were part of her later years. Some of her favourite collections included vintage tins and bottles, plants, calendars from our birth years, and she sure did love her jewelry.

Joy touched so many people and was a role model to those lucky enough to know her over the years. Her quiet strength, caring, kindness, and resilience made her a trusted favourite. She would always put the coffee on, and you could count on her to be there for you. We love you for always!

Joy is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ernest “Ernie” Groom; daughters, Pam Groom (Alf Petkau), and Jody (Brian) Halbert; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother, Mike Lauer. Joy rejoins her parents, Tom and Martha Lauer; siblings, Lynda and Eddie; and children, Kelly and Kim.

A Celebration of Life was held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287-67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. a reception to followed. Those attending the Celebration were encouraged to wear the colour blue, which was Joy’s favourite. For those unable to attend in person, the Celebration will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.parklandfuneralhome.com/livestream-player-2. If desired, Memorial Donations in honour of Joy may be sent to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories at https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-06-21
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040