Iona Joy Habberstad Nelson (commonly known as Joy) was born on January 16, 1932 to George and Edith Habberstad of Dunseith, ND. She was one of four children Marvin, Dorraine, Iona and Darrell, all previously deceased. Iona and Dorraine were the first in their families to attend college and obtain Education Degrees from North Dakota State College. Joy met Wally in 1951 in Bottineau, ND and were married in1952. I have little doubt that Joy proposed to Wally. She was a project person and got things done fast. They had three children Jonette (Glasgow), Bruce (Spokane) and Sandy (deceased). They moved to Glasgow, MT in 1961.
Joy was an active schoolteacher in Glasgow for 38 years. She taught 1 st Grade and Special Education during her tenure. She was active in her community supporting many organizations especially Milk River Association, Fort Peck Summer Theater and the 1 st Lutheran Church. During her retirement she took up quilting and quilted over 4200 quilts for Lutheran donations. Joy was the KrumKake queen of Glasgow. She made dozens and dozens for any benefits in town that requested them. Joy was always a working/ commanding presence. She always bragged about her mother’s greatest gift was teaching her how to work and contribute.
Joy spent her last years with her best friend and sister Dorraine Worrall in Vista, CA. Both suffered from severe dementia in their final years. They were gracefully cared for by Tanya Worrall (niece/sister) and her husband Dalton Scott. Dorraine passed two years prior but they were both together. The enormous gratitude I feel for my cousin/sister Tanya for these years of care can never be fully expressed.
A life of service, love, compassion and happiness. When Joy entered a room, she brought laughter and JOY.
In Lieu of flowers we ask that any donations be made to Milk River Association in her memory.