Donna E. Joyce

Donna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lynn Joyce; sons Scott and Kyle (Brandy) Joyce; brother Michael (Denise) Patrick; eight grandchildren; four nephews; a niece; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless close friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Betty Patrick, and brothers James (Jim) Patrick and William (Bill) Patrick.

Donna was born in Lawrenceville, IL, on January 26, 1945, where she lived until Don and Betty moved the family to Beech Grove, IN. Donna became a big sister in 1948, when James joined the family. She happily welcomed little brothers Michael in 1956 and William in 1961. Donna found great joy in her role of big sister and was a lifelong mentor, confidant, and friend to her younger brothers.

Donna attended Beech Grove High School, where she excelled academically and flourished socially. Many of the bonds Donna cultivated in her school years led to lifelong friendships, in part due to Donna’s dedication to keeping in contact with friends. Of all the special relationships Donna formed during her school days, none can hold a candle to the love she found with Lynn, her high school sweetheart. Lynn and Donna’s first date fell on her 15th birthday in 1960.

After graduating high school in 1963, Donna attended Ball State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. As an undergraduate, Donna returned to her high school alma mater to complete her student teaching requirements. She came back to BGHS with her teaching license in 1967, and she would remain a Beech Grove Hornet for the duration of her career.

Donna taught English and business for six years while pursuing a master’s degree in school administration from Butler University. With her administrative credentials acquired, Donna became a guidance counselor. She held that job for ten years before stepping into the role of guidance director, where she stayed for another two decades.

Donna retired from Beech Grove High School in 2004, at which time she was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian honor. Donna was also named Teacher of the Year in 2002 by the Beech Grove High School Alumni Association. Both during her career and after retirement, Donna was an active member in multiple professional organizations for active teachers, retired teachers, and school counselors.

Donna certainly made an impact professionally, touching hundreds of students’ lives throughout her career. But where her goodness and influence truly shone was in her personal roles—as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, and friend. There aren’t sufficient words to fully explain what her family meant to Donna—and what Donna meant to her family.

Lynn and Donna married on December 21, 1968, at Beech Grove United Methodist Church, and remained devoted in marriage until her death. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past December. The couple welcomed their first son, Scott, in 1972. Another son, Kyle, joined the family in 1975. Donna was also a doting aunt beginning with the birth of her first nephew in 1970. She discovered the joys of grandmotherhood in 2000, when her first grandson joined the family.

Donna was a devoted daughter, selflessly taking on the responsibility of being her aging mother’s primary caretaker and advocate. But Donna didn’t stop at helping her mother—she became a regular volunteer at her mother’s assisted living facility, the Altenheim, so she could care for others there, as well. Donna’s philanthropic pursuits were numerous and included active membership in Tri Kappa service sorority, serving as president of the BP chapter of P.E.O. International, cradling and rocking NICU babies, and more.

Donna was always willing to open her home—to host family gatherings, group meetings, and even a foreign exchange student from Germany. She was always willing to open her wallet for any child participating in a fundraiser. She was willing to open her closet to give some of her many (very stylish) pantsuits to local nonprofit Dress for Success. She was always willing to open her arms for anyone who needed it, whether students, colleagues, friends, or family. But she never needed to open her heart—it was always open, for everyone, no matter what. She never missed a birthday, an anniversary, or any other occasion that warranted a greeting card and a kind word.

Donna was serious about work, and she was serious about loving her family and the world at-large, but she also knew how to have fun. She was a sports fan who loved the Colts and never stopped rooting for the Beech Grove Hornets, and she could always be found on the sidelines supporting her sons, nephews, niece, and grandchildren in their many athletic pursuits.

Donna loved hosting parties for any occasion—bridal showers, baby showers, Super Bowls, birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She put so much thought and care into each gathering that her superhostess alter-ego earned a nickname: “Holiday Donna.” And everyone knew—nobody touched a single ribbon on a single Christmas present until Holiday Donna was done taking family photos in front of the tree.

Donna was a longtime book club member and avid reader, and she loved to travel. A visit to Australia and an Alaskan cruise were highlights for her. She loved dining out and almost always ordered dessert—her sweet tooth was unrivaled, and her homemade peanut butter fudge was legendary. She also loved to play cards. Year after year, Donna could be found closing down Patrick family Christmas Eve at the poker table into the wee hours of the morning. For the younger set—and her aging mother—Donna would engage in marathon matches of Uno and Skip-Bo.

Donna was fond of the phrase “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened,” and she was a shining example of how a life well lived can look when one smiles because it happened, and then looks ahead to what happens next.

A public visitation for Donna will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237. A public visitation will occur Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., followed by a funeral service at noon, both at Little & Sons on Stop 11 Road. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, Indiana.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Beech Grove High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund at PO Box 731, Beech Grove, IN 46107.