Joyce Crissie Fortier (née Hodgson)

It is with deep love and sadness that we remember Joyce Crissie Fortier (nee Hodgson) who passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 86 years.

Joyce was a devout Jehovah’s Witness throughout her life. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort to her.  She dedicated herself to raising her family as a single parent and building a good life for those she loved.

For most of her working life, Joyce lived and worked in Northern Alberta. She built a meaningful career with the Métis Nation, working in both Housing and Education. She approached her work with dedication and a genuine desire to serve others. After many years of hard work and commitment, Joyce retired, beginning a new chapter filled with family, friendship, travel, creativity, and many cherished memories.

Retirement gave Joyce the opportunity to see more of the world and share wonderful experiences with the people she loved. One particularly special journey was her trip to New York City with her grandson, where they visited the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bethel Headquarters. It was a meaningful experience that brought together two things that were especially important to Joyce—her faith and her family. Joyce also enjoyed a memorable trip to Mexico, where she travelled to celebrate and attend Lisa and Rory’s wedding. She also travelled to beautiful Hawaii and enjoyed a cruise to Alaska, embracing the opportunity to experience new places and make memories along the way.

Joyce was deeply connected to her Métis culture and community. She was proud of her heritage and expressed that pride through her creativity, her service, and her involvement with others. She spent countless hours creating beautiful Indigenous crafts, putting tremendous care and love into every piece she made. She enjoyed sewing, ribbon work, and beadwork, creating beautiful ribbon shirts and ribbon skirts. One of her particular joys was making handmade clothing for Métis dolls. Each creation reflected her patience, skill, and love of tradition.

Joyce was also a generous volunteer and an active member of the Métis community. She loved being involved and giving her time to others. Among the activities she especially enjoyed was volunteering at the Stampede breakfast.

Joyce leaves behind a legacy woven through the lives of the people she loved. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Leon Fortier of Mclennan, Alberta, Nadine Fortier of Calgary, Alberta, and Renee (David) Maron of Antioch, California; 4 grandchildren, Crissie, Tanner, Kitchi, and April, and 7 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joe and Colleen Gagnier of Hay River, NWT, Larry and Betty Ann Hogdson of Prince George, British Columbia, and Doreen LaFlamme of Nampa, Alberta. She was predeceased by her husband and father to her children Rene Fortier; siblings Charlie, Robert, Clarence, Lena, Kenny, Violet, Martin, Janet, Pauline; parents Adeline and Henry Hodgson.