A poem written to Joyce by her first, now deceased husband George, while he was stationed in Panama."The moon sails across the sky gazing down with unblinking eye at tender scenes below him spread and hears sweet words being said by people such as you and I whom separation causes to sigh but yet they write in letters true such as I send daily to you to say that love is true and pure so that their beloved is sure that when home again he comes she to him open arms will run full of joy and thanks and love such scenes does see the moon above!"My love will have the strength of a palm tree growing from the sand. My love will be as pure as orange blossoms crushed in the hand. My love will be the weight of the gentle breath of a sigh and I oh Lord, I will love, my love even after I die. When the ocean covers all the land and the earth gives want to a sigh when the sea turns all to sand and Jupiter falls from on high I will forget you when tomatoes from the orange blossom grow and the sun be covered with snow then darling I will forget you.To Joyce from George

Thomas Campbell once said in his book Hallowed Ground -"to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."Since I was a little girl, I always knew how unique and amazing it was to have a family with so many siblings-to be able to brag that I had 4 big brothers and 4 big sisters. And then, like now-I love each and every one of them in all their forms. Joyce being the eldest was already married with children before I even came along. As a child, I spent a lot of time at her home playing with Cheryl, Ron, and Steve. Joyce was always the sweetest person, welcoming, and very tolerant. Whenever you saw her relaxing at home it was always with a book in her hand. She had such an air of wisdom about her. And, as a little girl, I couldn't help but admire her sense of style. She always looked ready to go out on the town. Joyce was always neutral-never choosing sides. She was a hard worker and it was such a beautiful event when she was honored at her retirement party with so many friends and family that loved her. Joyce was an amazing mother that had three amazing kids that I am so grateful that I was able to grow up with. Because of Joyce I have Cheryl who is not only my niece, but my sister and my very best friend. Today as we gather to mourn Joyce's passing- we can take comfort in knowing that she was greeted at Heaven's gate by her loved ones who welcomed her home. She's once again whole and complete, with no more pain or suffering. And one day we will see her again. I love you Joyce and am so grateful to have you as my big sister. I'd like to share a poem with you that is a favorite of Sarah and mine.The Day God Called You Home-God looked around his Garden and found an empty place.He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. His Garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain. And knew that you would never get well on earth again.He saw your path was difficult, he closed your tired eyes, He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,We could not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide, You live on through your children, you're always by our side.It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you on the day God called you homeEulogy read by Joyce's sister Mary Katherine (Kathy)

I am not sure what to say to all of you. How do you describe a life in just a few words? You either knew my grandmother, and have your own experiences or you didn't and there is no way I can do her justice with just my time up here. My grandmother Joyce was my rock. I knew every day that no matter what, she would be there for me and willing to help me in whatever I needed or wanted to do.  My grandmother helped raise me, and so was my mother in many ways. She worked hard every day at the same job for 51 years! And I rarely saw her without a book. She bestowed upon me her love of reading and art and she loved to take me shopping, but what I remember most were her stories. She loved to tell me about everything, little funny stories about when she was growing up, or funny things that happened when my dad was little, like when their cat Dum Dum ran into the house and jumped right into the toilet, thus earning his name. My grandmother would talk to me all day long, which made it so sad, that these last few years, she couldn't talk at all. I know that she is in a better place now, that she is not suffering. I think she would have hated being trapped the way she was. But still I wish she was here, and I will miss her every day. I thought I had gotten used to the idea that she was failing and would soon be gone, but it turns out that you are never prepared. It's as if a tiny part of me refused to believe that anything could ever happen to her, that one day my phone would ring, and it would be her, checking up on me and just wanting to talk. My grandmother was a strong, intelligent, and creative woman who will be missed by anyone who truly knew her and I know that she will be looking down on us, laughing at all the funny little things that happen in our lives, and watching those events grow into those stories that she loved to tell.Eulogy read by Joyce's granddaughter Monica

OBITUARY

Joyce Dansereau

December 11, 1933 – July 11, 2013

Fred Hunter's Funeral Home & Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens

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