Joyce Elaine Paquin McCain, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 15, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 28, 1931 in Lanse, Michigan to George Joseph and Anna Mariah (Hosking) Paquin. As the middle child of seven, Joyce grew up with a deep abiding love of nature and wildlife. It began as a child with her father in the logging camps of Upper Peninsula, Michigan and continued throughout her lifetime in the Smokey Mountains down to the inland waterways and beaches of Florida. Joyce’s faith was the foundation upon which she built her whole life and she truly lived life to the fullest. Her passion and delight was her family and she was completely devoted to them. Joyce was predeceased by her loving husband, David L. McCain, a former Florida Supreme Court Justice. He was the love of her life and together they had five children. She was also predeceased by her loving daughter Melanie Lu McCain, daughter Donna Hays and grandson Timothy Paschal. As a loving wife she supported her husband’s career, always the consummate hostess. During their military years she was active in the Officer’s Wives Club focusing on public service. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Phi, a philanthropic sorority devoted to community service. From dinner parties at the governor’s mansion to tea parties in the children’s playroom Joyce was always charming, enchanting and simply lovely. Throughout their lives together David wrote countless letters to her, always addressing them “To the sweetest girl in the world”. As a loving mother she led the local Brownie Troop, was Homeroom mother, Sunday School teacher, and everyone’s biggest fan and cheerleader. But her “good morning” songs as the day began, her happy laughter, her reassuring words and comforting hugs, her beach days, her walks, her music, her handwritten poems, her soft touch, her gentle kisses…..that’s what will be remembered…..Joyce is survived by her daughter Tamara Lee Paschal, daughter Laurette Alter and son-in-law Dr. Dennis Alter, daughter Cassandra Scott, son David P. McCain and daughter-in-law Amy and son-in-law Al Hays. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Grandchildren are; David Paschal, Mariah Paschal Kramer, Jonathan Alter, Larissa Alter Churchill, Taylor Alter Duffy, Tessa Alter Earle, Joseph Alter, William Hancock, Lynde Hancock Russell, Hannah Scott, Ernest McCain, Jessica McCain, Kailey McCain, Amy Hays, Allie Hays and Laura Hays. Joyce is also survived by her loving sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Donald Paschal and sister Catherine MacNees and was predeceased by her loving siblings Ruth, Marmie, Carol and John. She is survived by a myriad of nieces and nephews whom she greatly loved.Joyce’s daughter Sandy, with daughter Laurie and son-in-law Dennis, lovingly cared for her in the last years of her life. It gave them the greatest joy. The family would like to extend their utmost and warmest gratitude to everyone who cared for Joyce at Florida Hospital Flagler and Florida Hospital Flagler Hospice (especially Cathy, Monica and Chaplin Earle). A very special thank you to Sue Egan for her years of devotion and loving care.Services celebrating Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church 5400 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL 32137. The Rev. Reed Freeman officiating. A reception will follow the service at the home of Dr. Dennis and Laurie Alter.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare at Florida Hospital Flagler and/or St. Thomas Episcopal Church. For online condolences go to:www.craigflaglerpalms.com. Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.
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