Passed away peacefully April 12, 2018 at the age of 87.
Joyce was born in the Southwestern Wisconsin farming and mining community of Shullsburg, WI. Raised on the family farm in Shullsburg – by her strong and feisty Mother, Viola, (who was widowed when Joyce was only 3) Joyce learned early on by her mother’s example to persevere and always look for the good in life.
She attended the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, and later married the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, Bob Paquette – also of Shullsburg. Joyce and Bob had three children: Steve, Kathleen, and Suzanne. After a short stint in Norfolk, VA while Bob was in the Navy, home became Madison, WI for several years. When a career relocation brought them to Minnesota in 1970, home was Wayzata, MN where they remained for many years. Upon retirement, Joyce and Bob moved to Crosslake, MN to enjoy lake life, golf, many good friends, and loads of good family times to remember.
Joyce had a smile for all and made friends easily. Though life wasn’t always carefree, she would be the first to tell you...she lived a ‘charmed life’. Bob and Joyce were married for 51 years before he died in 2003. They had moved back to ‘the cities’ several years before that, and – again – made many new and important friends in Woodbury, MN – closer to son, Steve, and daughter, Suzanne.
She spent several Minnesota winters after that in Bonita Springs, FL with special friend and companion, Don Piatak. They returned to Minnesota in 2017 to reside at Oak Park Senior Living in Stillwater, MN.
Joyce remained a positive influence on her family, children and grandchildren, unto her last days. May she rest in peace in the everlasting light of Heaven, while joining passed loves and friends...and we’re sure...she will make many new friends with her welcoming smile and joy of life. She was well-loved, and loved well.
Joyce was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert (‘Bob’) Paquette; Parents, Viola (Martin) and Charles Jeffrey; and Siblings, Charles (‘Chick’) Jeffery and Eunice (Jeffery) Burns.
Joyce leaves behind all three Children, Steve (Susan) Paquette of Stillwater, MN, Kathleen (Tom) Mitchell, of Wildwood, MO, and Suzanne (Paul) Walther, of Brooklyn Park, MN; as well as Grandchildren, Kara Willhoite, Eric Paquette, Katie Cornwell, Anne Mitchell, Molly Mitchell, Jack Walther, and Brett Walther; Great Grandchildren, Makenna Willhoite, Madison Willhoite, and Henry Cornwell; Special Friend, Don Piatak, of Denver, CO; and Nephew, Bob (Janet) Jeffery, of Minneapolis.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30AM Friday, April 20, 2018 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th St. N., Oakdale. Visitation 1 hour prior.
Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.
