Joyce Pauline Benedict McCormack

Joyce Pauline McCormack was born to the late Ronald Benedict (farmer, electrical lineman) and Pauline Benedict (homemaker) on September 4, 1935 in Shenandoah, Iowa and passed away on June 3, 2022 at the age of 86 in Mesa, Arizona.

Joyce was the oldest of 7 children, who were her lifelong friends. The 4 brothers and 3 sisters shared many memories and laughter together. There was 25 years age difference between Joyce (the oldest) and Greg (the youngest).

Joyce graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1954. She attended Maryville State Teachers College, studying education. She completed her degree at Arizona State University in 1977, with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She was an educator at heart, kind to everyone, and always had time to help others. She had a great love for children and was especially drawn to babies. Joyce taught in Iowa, Globe, Casa Grande, and Mesa, Arizona. She won Teacher of the Year while teaching in Casa Grande.

Joyce met Jack McCormack in 1960. They were pen pals, set up by Joyce’s cousins, Larry and Suzy Benedict. After corresponding for a year, they finally arranged a meeting. Jack knew what a catch she was, so he proposed by letter, and Joyce called him with her answer of yes. They lived in many states throughout their married life: Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, New Mexico, Nebraska, and finally settled in Arizona where they have remained. They had three children: Patti, Kristi and Tim.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and church. Joyce loved to travel. Some of the most memorable trips were: Scotland, England, Hawaii and best of all to Branson, Missouri where they had a timeshare. Many happy family moments with siblings, children and grandchildren were spent in Branson. Their 50th and 60th Anniversaries were celebrated there with a large family reunion.

Joyce and Jack served with Meals on Wheels for 20 years after they retired. They loved to attend Southern Gospel Music concerts, attend plays at the Hale Theater, and go out to dinner with their church home group.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Jack McCormack, her daughters Patti Jo Anderson (Gene) and Kristi Ann Beeman (Keith), her siblings Carolyn Bloom (Max), Ronald Leon Benedict (Marlene), Sarah Jo Sanders (John), Gregory Benedict (Susan); her grandchildren Coulter Anderson (Julie), Emily Roskam (Garrett), Lucas Anderson, Shannon Mitchell (Zachary), Joshua Beeman (Carlene), Micah Beeman (Sarah), Caleb Beeman (Elisha), Seth Beeman (Rylie), Josiah Beeman, Benjamin McCormack and her two great granddaughters, Loretta and Meredith Anderson.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Ronald and Pauline Benedict, two brothers Derry Benedict and Ellis Levi Benedict, and her son Timothy McCormack.

The family has entrusted Mariposa Gardens with the funeral arrangements. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:00 am at Via Church (740 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85205). A reception will follow at the church.