Joyce B. LaFalce

Joyce B. LaFalce passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, in Chagrin Falls, OH, at the age of 92. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, and their son Jonathan (Terryl). She is survived by her children Brian (Linda), David (Tracy), and Lynne, along with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joyce was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She spent most of her life in Michigan until recently, when she relocated to Cleveland to be closer to her daughter, Lynne, and her family. She enjoyed dancing and met her husband, John, at a high school social. Theirs was an enduring love that shaped their life together.

Joyce earned her undergraduate degree from Wayne State University and later her Master’s degree from Michigan State University. Early in their marriage, Joyce and John moved frequently before settling in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where they raised their four children.

Joyce was deeply involved in her community and church. She and John were active members of Holy Family Church, Grand Blanc, MI, where Joyce served for many years as President of the Altar Society. Professionally, she was a dedicated dietitian and served as President of the Michigan Dietetics Association. After returning to work in the 1970s, Joyce spent many years as Director of Food Services and later began a second career as Director of Volunteer Services at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan.

Having grown up in a time when people made their own clothes, Joyce was an accomplished sewer, knitter, and baker. She was known for her generous nature, kind disposition, and the ease with which she connected with others. Joyce had an extensive cookbook collection and showed her love for others through baked goods. Joyce came across the following recipe, and although she didn’t create it, it became her signature treat.

Cherry Chocoloate Brownies

Cake:

1 pkg Pillsbury Fudge Cake Mix 21-oz can cherry fruit filling

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

2 eggs, beaten

Frosting:

1 cup sugar

5 T butter

⅓ cup milk

6-oz, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Preheat oven to 350. Using butter and flour in a 13 x 9-inch pan. In a large bowl, combine the four ingredients. Stir by hand until well mixed. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting.

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, then stir in the chocolate pieces until smooth. Pour over partially cooled bars. Makes about three dozen bars.

A Funeral and Burial Service will be held at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1 pm Service with Public Visitation at 12 pm with internment following at Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Blanc, Michigan.