It is great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Patricia Perswain-Peters at the age of 61 on Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.  Joyce was predeceased by her mother Viola Perswain, father David Perswain, and baby girl Syvanna.

Joyce is survived by her husband and partner of 41 years, Albert Peters, children Adrian, Ian (Cassandra Myran), Kevin (Breanna Smoke) and Joal Tia Peters, and stepson Brad Peters. Joyce kept her grandchildren for many years, Josiah Prince, Nia Peters, Viola Peters, and Kailani Houle-Peters. She is also survived by her sisters Evelyn Racette, Marge (John Richard), Geraldine, Pam and Lorena, and her brothers David and Presley.

Joyce was born in MacGregor where she lived until she was 17 years old.  She left MacGregor and moved to St Jean Baptiste to live with her Aunt Janice Berger. While she stayed with Janice, she attended Morris School in the next town, and graduated Grade 12.  Joyce went on to attend Yellowquill College and obtained a certificate in Clerical Administration.  During this time in her life, she met Albert Peters; this is when their journey in life would begin together. After Joyce obtained her hospitality certificate in Portage la Prairie, she moved to Brandon to attend Brandon University. Joyce was proud to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Her education path also included Red River Community College, where she earned an Early Childhood Educator Diploma.

In her younger years Joyce was an avid baseball player with the Featherettes, and enjoyed playing Bingo and VLTS’s.

Joyce’s professional career was dedicated entirely to Long Plain First Nation and the Arrowhead Development Corporation. She worked in many areas of Long Plain; her titles included Health Director, Daycare Director, Arrowhead Finance Clerk, Social Services Director and Healing Strategy Coordinator. 

Joyce was always willing to help the community; she was instrumental in getting a safe Halloween in place for children in Long Plain with her fellow Community Wellness coworkers.  Joyce and her Healing Strategy team completed a book with stories from Long Plain Residential School Survivors, and never lost hope it would be published. Joyce was a hard worker; she was at the Social Services office serving clients with care and compassion until illness forced her to seek medical attention. During her tenure with Long Plain she served as member on the Central Regional Health Authority Board of Directors, and also sat on the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Residential School Committee.

Joyce loved doing puzzles, diamond art painting and other arts and crafts.  She took the initiative to organize family feasts and gatherings.  She loved her grandchildren very much.

Joyce had serious health issues throughout the last few years of her life, but that did not deter her from her home and work life. She worked up to her last day, and just before she passed, was ready to return to work.