It is with much sadness we are sharing the news of the peaceful passing of (Julienne) Joy Pfannmuller, aged 84 years, on Friday June 12, 2026 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Born May 23, 1942 in Edmonton, Alberta, Joy was the third born of 9 children of George Alphonse Pfannmuller and Lora Pfannmuller, nee Sodmont. Joy grew up in Mercoal, Alberta until she turned 17 at which time she moved to Mayerthorpe to live with her paternal grandparents for her senior year of high school. After graduating from the local high school, Joy began working at the bank in Mayerthorpe until August 1962 when she married George Smyl and soon after moved to St. Paul, Alberta.
It was in St. Paul where they raised their 4 children, Fulton George , Byron Peter , Heather Joy and Sharon Joanne.
While raising her kids in St. Paul, driving her skaters , hockey players, baseball players and dancers to and from all of their events, Joy taught herself how to decorate birthday cakes and was soon encouraged by a local business woman to turn her talent into her own local small business. Her talent quickly grew to her becoming the local “professional” cake decorator taking orders for birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries and of course weddings. She then began teaching classes to the locals, all while opening up her own retail gift store, Just Joy’s Boutique in 1986 that she successfully ran until 1993.
In 1994, Joy moved to Edmonton, Alberta and built a robust community of friends, all while being closer to her kids, her mom, her brothers and sisters and eventually half of her grandchildren.
Joy is survived by her four children and eight grandchildren whom she loved very much: Fulton, Donna & Adam Smyl; Byron, Carla, Maia & James Smyl; Heather (Ron, deceased 2025), Nicholas (Shawna), Joselyn & Emma Rose; Sharon, Jeff, Benjamin & Robin Norton.
She is survived by her brothers Garold (Lynn), Gilbert and Travis (Linda) and her sister Dani (Rob). She is predeceased by her father George, her mother Lora, her sisters Jill, Jackie (Bob), and Dawn and her brother Darren and sister in law Madeleine.
As per Joy’s request, no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, it would have meant the world to Joy if you sent a donation to the Edmonton Food Bank at https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/ on her behalf.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Joy was an incredible lady . My condolences to you and your family
Sincerest Condolences to your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
From the Mlazgar family.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom‘s passing. She was such an amazing woman. I know you don’t need to hear that from me. You all know she will be missed love all you guys. My condolences Todd.
May Joy rest in peace. She was incredibly kind and welcoming during my visit to Edmonton. She was so lucky to have such an amazing family by her side.
Joy was loved deeply and will be thoroughly missed. May she rest in eternal peace and to her family.Today and always may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
Condolences from the Stauffer family to all of Joy’s family and friends.