Joyce Marie Castan

How do you describe someone who is indescribable? It's difficult but we'll try.

JOYCE MARIE CASTAN - loving, loyal, friendly, beautiful, compassionate, and smart. With a unique sense of humor Joyce never met a stranger. Perhaps you were fortunate enough to be called friend by Joyce, if so you were a friend for life.

On Sunday, March 4, 2012, a beautiful sunny Southern California day Joyce heeded the call of her Heavenly Father's voice to come home and she quickly stepped from time to eternity,

As we reflect on Joyce the woman, she was a lover of Blues. Joyce spent many hours listening to some of her favorite musicians B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Aretha Franklin.

She attended Loma Linda University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in nursing. While attending the University, Joyce encountered the handsome Lavanda Castan. Now some say it was Lavanda's looks that turned her head but just between us, truth be told it was his car - a 1956 T-Bird that really got her attention. They were married 51 years and were blessed with four beautiful children and four beautiful grandchildren.

Joyce continued with her education even while having a husband, children and a job. You see Joyce received her Master's Degree in Public Health. She worked as a Public Health nurse for several years for the state of California as well as a Charge Nurse for Crestview Convalescent Home.

Joyce eventually attained the position of Health and Safety Officer and she supervised that department for many years. She was then promoted to the Nursing Coordinator where she worked until her retirement in 2006. With a career that spanned forty three years, both Crestview Convalescent Home and the state of California were very blessed indeed to have Joyce in their employ.

Joyce the mother – as a mother, Joyce was strict: she had high expectations for her children. Now before you think that it must have been tough growing up for Micheline, Michel-Ange, Michelle and Mireille, not so, because Joyce also tempered that firm hand with fun and a lot of love.

Joyce the girl – Born on September 13th, we discovered as a child, she had a fondness for animals; one in particular was her pride and joy, a horse named Maude. She grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her Grandmother Lela until she was three years old. She then stayed with Pearl and Jesse and then Martha and George where she attended Oakwood Adventist Academy. Following graduation she moved to California.

Joyce the friend – there are no words to describe the friendship that Joyce shares with so many. The words found in this song say it best;

How can I say thanks for all the things you’ve done for me. Things so underserved and yet you did to prove your love for me, the voices of a million angels cannot express my gratitude, all that I am and ever hope to be I owe in all to thee. “To GOD BE THE GLORY”

Joyce leaves to celebrate her life her Husband Lavanda Castan, her children, Micheline (Darrel), Michel Ange, Michelle (who preceded her in death) and Mireille (Tony), four wonderful grandchildren Maddie, D.J., Alex and Andrew, and a beloved adopted mother Florene Tittle and many, many friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.