Joyce Irene Chagnon

Joyce Irene Chagnon

Joyce Irene Chagnon, 79, died early Wednesday morning, March 20, 2013. at Northern Montana Care Center, surrounded by her family.

Her visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. with her funeral service following at 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre, with Frank Donato officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the services at the graveside. Memorials in Joyce's honor may be made to the Fifth Avenue Christian Church, The Havre Senior Center or to Kitty Keeper's. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Joyce was born July 29, 1933, in Turner, Mont., to Ingeman and Julia (Wing) Svendsen. She was raised and educated in Hogeland graduating from high school in 1951 as class valedictorian. She attended the Sacred Heart Nursing School and obtained her associate in nursing in 1952. Joyce married William "Bill" Chagnon on Nov. 23, 1952, in Hogeland. Together they made their home in Havre and raised their family.

Joyce was a homemaker at heart who enjoyed baking, reading and attending her bible study. She enjoyed going out to the Bear Paw Mountains and spending time with her family.

All of us kids remember that our friends and anyone in the neighborhood was always welcome at her dinner table or a place to stay for the night. People in need that managed to find themselves on her doorstep would always be given a good hot meal and cookies. The grandkids could always find an excuse to end up at grandma's house for cookies and milk. She had many pets throughout the years and took in many strays, providing a home for them. Even the magpies benefited from all the dog food left out.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Darlene Svensden in 1946; infant twin sons, Gregory and Allan, in 1954; father, Ingeman Svendsen, in 1975; her son, Michael "Mick" Chagnon, in 1982; her husband, William "Bill" Chagnon, in 1998; and grandson, Dylan Raines, in 2005.

Joyce is survived by her mother, Julia Svendsen of Helena, Mont.; her children, Julie (Tom) Anderson, Timothy (Becky) Chagnon, Wayne (Ginger) Chagnon all of Havre, Debbie (Dennis Douglas) Chagnon of Mora, Minn., and Scott (Linda) Chagnon of Havre; her special friend and companion, Lynn Deppmeier of Havre; two sisters, Alice (Buzz) Beto and Joann (Leon) Edens all of Helena, Mont.; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.