Joyous E. Gervais

Joyous E. Gervais, age 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Valley Senior Living.

Joyous Elaine Strand was born in Crookston, MN on June 12, 1934, to loving parents Bennert & Mabel (Peltier) Strand. Joyous spent her early years of life in Crookston where she attended & graduated from St Joseph’s Academy. Joyous married John Gervais on April 26, 1956. They celebrated 59 years of marriage until John’s passing in 2015. The couple resided in Crookston where they raised daughters, Michelle & Darcy. In 1981 they moved to Grand Forks, ND, then in 1987 they moved to their year-round lake home at Maple Lake. They spent winters in Arizona and made it their permanent home in 2000.

Joyous worked diligently for her family at Bethesda Nursing Home, Stretch and Sew, and Riverview Hospital in the PT Department. She also sold Avon for many years. Her most satisfying work was raising her children and working at home. Joyous enjoyed sewing, knitting, playing cards, and thrift shopping. She took pride in her cooking and her baking.

Left to mourn Joyous’ passing are her children, Michelle (Kent Erickson) Gervais and Darcy (Paul) Eslinger of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren: Ella Eslinger of Grand Forks, ND and Jonathan (Amber) Eslinger of West Fargo, ND; sister, Clorise Jorgenson of Fisher, MN as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial to honor Joyous’ life will be held Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 am at St Peter’s Church in Gentilly, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at St Peter’s Parish Cemetery.