Helen Mosier Joy

Helen M Joy, 90, Of Melbourne, Beach, FLA, and Vienna, VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of February 26, 2024. She was laid to rest March 9, 2024 at Oakwood Cemetery, Falls Church, VA, surrounded by family and friends.

She is preceded in death by our father, William J Joy, her life, partner, Edmond H Nowinski, and her beloved daughter, Juliane E Joy.

She is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline Spady and Jerri S Joy, and by her son, William Jeffrey Joy. She is also survived by her three granddaughters, Juliane Frye, Isabel Martin, and Toni Lee Joy, and one great granddaughter, Cecelia (Sally) Joy Frye.

Helen was born on March 23, 1933 in Cullowhee, North Carolina. She was one of eight children, six brothers, and one sister.

Although Helen was from a small town, and was also small in stature, she had a big presence when she walked into any room.

Her dreams lead her to Washington DC where she met her husband, started a family, and secured a coveted job at the CIA in Langley, Virginia.

Throughout her career at the CIA, Helen was recognized for her outstanding and honorable service, winning awards and accolades throughout her successful 23 year-long career with the agency.

Besides a warm and loving mother, the best words to describe Helen are proud, patriotic, and whimsical.

She was proud of her Cherokee Indian heritage, and was a proud member of the Republican Party and the NRA. Helen was also extremely proud to be accepted in 1971, to MENSA, a group reserved exclusively for people with exceptional IQ’s.

Blessed with not only brains, but extraordinary beauty, Helen attracted attention wherever she went. It was not uncommon for people to compare her beauty to the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Angie Dickinson, or Rita Hayworth.

Helen was loving, compassionate, nurturing, hard-working, and loyal to her family, friends, and her country.

Special occasions were always extra special because of the efforts of our mother. Every birthday was celebrated with cake, balloons and presents. Every annual trip to Rehoboth Beach was anticipated with great joy. Our mother particularly enjoyed Christmas, and every year went all out to make it the most special day for all of us. We keep her traditions alive today within our own families and will continue to do so in her honor.

All of us are full of indescribable love for Helen, and we look forward to seeing her again one day in heaven.

Our family would like to especially thank the wonderful staff at Cobbdale assisted-living of Fairfax, VA, for their devoted and exceptional care of our mother. We cannot thank you enough, and we will never forget you ❤️

We would also like to express our gratitude to Goodwin Hospice of Falls Church, Virginia for their devoted and caring staff.

Finally, we would like to give a special tribute to Leandra Adriazola of Manassas, who for years was a daily, dedicated caretaker, and best friend to Helen. Every day, Leandra made sure our mother was dressed beautifully with jewelry, make up and hair styled. She read books, sang songs, and handmade jewelry, but but importantly, Leandra, provided a loving and cheerful environment for our mother that we are forever grateful for. Thank you, Leandra

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

“She was a mother so very rare, Content in her home and always there, On earth she toiled, in Heaven she rests, God bless you mother you were one of the best.”

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

The Joy Family 🌹

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Proverbs 31:25-26