Joyce Ann Purcell

Joyce was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1951, the eldest daughter and second child of Paul and Anna Mae Richter. Paul was in the United States Navy, and the family moved around frequently before finally settling in the San Diego area in 1966. Despite the upheavals of such a life, Joyce developed a remarkable good nature, calmness, kindness, and gentleness that stayed with her throughout her life. Her family and friends all benefited from Joyce’s kind soul.

Joyce spent part of her childhood in different parts of England. For the rest of her life she would harbor a fondness for English film, television and music. She studied English Literature at the University of San Diego and then Library Science at UCLA.

After becoming a librarian for the Los Angeles Public Library, Joyce and her then-husband Denis raised two children in a household that was almost always home to cats as well. She strongly supported her family with love and encouragement. She was so proud of her children. When Joyce’s father advanced in years, she offered to move back to San Diego to live with him. There is no doubt that he lived all the way to 100 because of Joyce’s loving care. In spite of her own later illnesses, she continued to watch over him.

In the early morning hours of June 28, 2025, Joyce succumbed to cancer after a long fight. She is survived by her brother and sister, Tom and Jean Richter, and her two children, Brendan and Erin Purcell. The day before she died she got to spend time with her kids and the newest cat in her life, Oliver.