Joyce was always the quietest of my cousins.  She took the best from Auntie Alice and Uncle Sark.  She only said what needed to be said,  but stood up for her beliefs and family when it counted.  Her poise, strength and grace were always a part of her being and her charm.  She raised baby Hope on her own until God brought her loving Mark, then her beautiful children Madeline and Luke.  She steadfastly did whatever needed to be done for family during trying times,  and always rejoiced her faith.  In the last days of her illness,  her humility and unselfishness to spare her loved ones her pain makes her passing even more shocking and heartbreaking.

We love Joyce and will miss her terribly.  To say she was taken from us too soon is an understatement.  Our hearts go out to Mark, Hope, Luke and Madeline (and Susie, Jill, and all the lives Joyce touched) , as Joyce will always be in ours...

Garo and Liz

One of my earliest memories of Joyce was her telling me about the song “A Horse With No Name.”  I showed such an interest in this song that she gave me the 45rpm record, which I had for decades until it wore out.  I remember all the birthdays, Easters, Christmas Eves and graduations we used to celebrate together as children, and I remember the house with the NOT FOR SALE sign in front – precious memories.  I was heartbroken when I heard the news of Joyce’s passing.  When I shared the news with my brother, he said Susie, Joyce and Jill were a treasure in our childhood.  He also said, for the believer, death is like the parting of the Red Sea. We cross through, but as if on dry land, never actually tasting death.

This is NOT the end. Joyce is rejoicing in Heaven with her Savior, and I’m looking forward to the day when we’ll all be reunited.  Life on Earth is short, but Heaven is forever!

I would like to share a couple sweet childhood memories of my sister joyce.

We always shared a bedroom… first in our family’s apartment building, we three sisters shared a tiny bedroom with a single bed for our youngest sister Jill, and joyce and I in a bunk bed right near her. Then, when moving to our first house, joyce and I always shared a bedroom  while mom and dad had youngest daughter Jill in the bedroom near them. Many a night, I would want to talk/share with joyce while in bed with lights out. Joyce would always listen to me… even when she wanted to sleep. There would be times she’d be quiet and probably doze off and I’d say, “joyce, are you awake?!” And she’d always answer ,”yes”. And so I’d continue sharing. I’m grateful for her patience, kindness, and selflessness then to lend me her ear, though tired herself .  

 In regards to joyce’s love of horses, one special summer in high school,  my dad took Wednesdays off from work and took joyce and I horseback riding with him. Galloping or just walking our horses freely together most weeks was so fun and exciting. Joyce rode sweet Pearl and was in her element and happy. ❤️

We first met Joyce when Madeline and Dan started dating. The ‘meet the parents’ breakfast was so much fun! I loved her sense of humor, and cherished our conversations centered around our kids,  faith, and her wisdom on so many subjects.  On their wedding day,  it was truly a joy to have her officiate the marriage of Dan and Madeline. We will always remember her wonderful laugh and all the kindness she so freely shared.

We were so sad to hear a while ago of the battle Joyce was up against. We shared many text messages and a few phone calls since, but it seemed to end all too quickly. Our thoughts and prayers to all of the family at this difficult time.  Love, Annette and Rick Alcocer

Being the youngest of the 3 sisters with 3 years in between each girl, a lot of life happened together. Family dinners at 5 with my mom’s delicious comfort meals, happy to be home on Saturday night with popcorn & tv, shopping for clothes at the mall, listening to the newest albums that came out, we did it together. As corny as it may sound, there were nights, when our home sounded like the old tv show, The Waltons, at bedtime: “Good night, Dad. Good night, Mom. Good night, Sue. Good night, Joyce. Good night, Jill.”, with us sisters giggling as we’d say it in return. Music, family & our culture was a big part of our lives. There were so many Armenian dances through the years, where everybody came together as one, linking hands and remembering all of the steps to each dance as the line would spiral around the room with us sharing smiles all the while. Memories like these, I’ll hold onto. I truly loved my sister, Joyce, and so grateful to have had her to grow up with alongside me. She was kind, gentle and never boastful. She didn’t like to draw attention to herself, so much so that she’d remove the label of her clothes if it showed, like the alligator on an Izod sweater. We laughed a lot, we cried a lot, and we helped look out for one another, trying to soften the hard times as best we could. I miss those years, when life wasn’t so hard, when the issue at hand was our mom asking us, “What should I make for dinner?”

My best friend growing up was Jill, Joyce‘s sister…and we shared a lot of time with her family and also in high school orchestra together! I looked up to Joyce as she was so beautiful, kind, and fun to be around! I absolutely love this photo of her! What a lovely person she was… She will be truly missed by all!💜

I’ve known Joyce my entire life through our Armenian community and church.  Growing up across the ally from one another, I remember watching the series “Lassy” with her as little kids. Joyce was a huge animal lover from the beginning. It made so much sense that Mark and she lived on a farm with her horses and other animals. She loved taking care of animals. She chose a  vocation, OT,  was  a perfect fit,too because she was able minister to others.  I always marveled at her unwavering faith even in the throws of life’s most painful, difficult  trials. Joyce was the most courageous, Christian warrior! So many of us prayed for God to heal Joyce of the cancer but God’s plan was to have Joyce with Him now.  Someday we will understand God’s will. In the meantime I have great memories of Joyce’s beautiful laugh, her sweet smile and her love of family and friends. No matter how much time passed between seeing each other, we felt very close and mutually admired one another.  Joyce was such a gift 💝 . My deepest condolences to Mark, Hope, Madeline, Luke, Susie, Jill and the families. No more suffering for Joyce, only joyous celebration with her Lord and savior in heaven.  Amen and amen 🙏🏻🫶🏻✝️

Love, Gail

Because Joycie and I lived over a thousand miles apart, I mostly held her in my thoughts and heart. When we did meet up on holidays, we would exchange where we were in life. I will never forget the gentle tilt of Joycie’s head as she listened intently, always loving and affirming. Sometimes we had bouts of self-deprecating humor where we one-upped each other’s craziness. Joyce’s deep rumble of a laugh would end up as the sweetest giggle as she shook her head ruefully. We felt each other’s joy and angst in so many things. Now I have the dear Bible that Joyce mailed to our family after we lost our home. How befitting that Joycie leaves us with this gift of love and grace, reminding me of how she lived her life. 

Joyce, a forever friend. ❤️

Hope, Lauren and Jason playing together while we had our time!

I have so many special memories of Joyce, from when we were just little kids, throughout the childhood of our own kids. Joyce and I spent time together almost daily when Hope was a baby and toddler.  Hope and my two children, Lauren and Jason, would play together and Joyce and I would have coffee and scones, just being each others friend/ cousin.  Those times meant everything to me. 

I will love her always and remember those days with great fondness and joy

Joy was incredibly kind to my family. She made such a positive impact on the people around her. She had a vibrant spirit that was wonderful to be around and truly inspirational. Thinking of your family as you navigate this loss.

Joyce was one of the sweetest people I know and such a joy to be around. I am thankful I was able to call her a friend and to meet her wonderful family. I will miss her every day.

We are saddened by Joyce’s passing.

Joyce was always strong in her faith and provided a powerful witness for Jesus Christ. I recall her defending the faith unwaveringly - in the face of powerful detractors. By doing so, she inspired and encouraged me. 

I was reading my Bible a few days after getting the sad news, and I came upon a portion of Psalm 116 that struck me and brought Joyce into mind:

I kept the faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted"; I said in my consternation, "Men are all a vain hope."

What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, I am thy servant; I am thy servant, the son (daughter) of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.

Love, cousin gregg

  

This made me so sad to see in the paper this morning that she is gone and I know that she’s going to be missed by SO MANY,  but also Joyous to know that she is in Heaven. 

Joyce was one of the SWEETEST, KINDEST, Most beautiful in every way lady that I’ve ever met. 

The short time I saw her when she worked at TM left me with an impression of seeing The Holy Spirit in her. She always was so proud of her family and was sunshine to be around. 

God bless all of you and your memories until you meet again. 

Joyce was a beautiful soul, inside and out. Our love and condolences to you all.

She was a very beautiful person! She was an integral part of our small group; she will be missed❤️