Joyce was full of joy and most folks who got to know her would also say; "She's feisty!"
Born the youngest of six, she grew up "kickin & scratchin" (as she would say). Her life started 'hard' when, as a baby, her father was killed in a farm equipment explosion. Her mom (Emma) and siblings were forced to move from the farm in Michigan and relocated to Findlay, OH. Emma was a single parent to six children in the 30's & 40's which, needless to say, was daunting.
Remarkably, Joyce never complained and was always grateful. Her early life-lessons formed this beautiful, joyful, feisty person who in her thirties met Ron. She was attracted to Ron's gentle and kind nature and immediately set her sights on "getting" him. (In our family narrative, we like to say, “He had no clue what was coming at him!”) It turned out to be a perfect match and they were together for over 50 years. As most would say, she usually got her way, as she did in snagging Ron.
Joyce and Ron built a wonderful life together, supporting each other through many tough times with career, financial, health and children challenges. But more so, they celebrated many joyous occasions through everyday life, family reunions, vacations, beautiful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Joyce was a fierce card player; teaming up with Ron for Bridge in the local league, and playing Euchre without mercy–beware opposing team! But also hid a great gentle nature, which shone through the feisty facade, when one could observe her coloring with a grandchild, fixing ice cream for her dear ‘Mr. Nibs’, drying/pressing/arranging carefully picked flowers, and caring for wild birds. And then ‘Feisty’ would show up and shoot BBs at any squirrel who dared approach her bird feeders! Our very own Annie Oakley.
Joyce was so well-loved by everyone she touched – the world was a better place when she was with us.
Now it is the joy we are left remembering of Joyce, and we wish her the best in what she will find next.
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All Things Lost Are Found
What place is this that has no valleys,
No mountains, no space
No land,
No rivers, no oceans, no sky…
And never a need to ask why!
And yet, a place of peace with shores of crystal sands –
It has all these things
And much, much more.
There are no more days and the night never falls¬ – yet, stars!
Stars, stars everywhere and so much more –
A place where all things lost are found
And we are here too!
No longer gone,
Nor longer lost,
No longer is there suffering; there is no pain.
And though it is bright and sunny, there is a refreshing rain
That glistens upon the yellow rose petals – like a child’s tear.
Everyone is young, and everyone is old and yet,
Everyone is the same.
No crippling hurts, no punishing weight to bear –
No anger, no regret, nothing more to beget.
All the birds sing in beautiful song and there can be no more wrong!
I am found in a place where all things once lost – are found.
Stand next to me now and hold my hand
And we will dine on life as we drink the wind.
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– J.A. Calvillo, 12/11/2018
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"For what is it to die
but to stand naked in the wind
and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing,
but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence
shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
then shall you truly dance."
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– Kahlil Gibran/ "On Death"
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Below is the obituary running in local papers:
Joyce Irene Noffsinger 8/27/1932 – 12/11/2018
Joyce Noffsinger of Erie, CO passed away on Tuesday, December 11th after a battle with dementia.
She was born in Wright Twp., MI to Stedman Burnham and Emma Feller. Her life was filled with love, family, music and dancing. She worked as a florist and office manager for many years while raising her family in Findlay, OH, White Plains, NY and Arlington Heights, IL. She and her husband Ronald Dale Noffsinger retired to Hot Springs Village, AR. After Ron passed away on July 10, 2010, Joyce spent most of her remaining time loving the Colorado Front Range area.
She was the last sibling of six sisters and brothers. Joyce is survived by her three children and her other three children (the in-laws): Walt Noffsinger (Sharon) of Erie, CO; Emily Calvillo (Joseph) of Cary, IL; and Brenda Krysh (James) of Independence, OR. She is also survived by 6 loving grandchildren: Johnna Calvillo; Adam Noffsinger; Jamie Hall; Jonathon Krysh; Lian Noffsinger; and Eric (Nancy) Otterstrom: and two great grandchildren: Rune Otterstrom and Jacob Hall.
To read more on "The Joy of Joyce" and to share thoughts, memories and condolences, please visit HoweMortuary.com. Please check back here as there will be an announcement for a celebration of Joyce’s life this coming Spring.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org
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