Joyce Everson Nadeau

Joyce lived in many places in southeastern Connecticut over the years — Waterford, New London, Fisher’s Island (taking the ferry to work everyday), Norwich, Gales Ferry for many years, Groton, North Haven, and finally Bristol.

But wherever she lived, during her married life a constant was the love she shared with her husband, Richard Nadeau. Their relationship was rare in its devotion and loyalty. Joyce saw beyond every challenge he faced — disabilities, severe Guillain-Barré, diabetes, and ultimately bilateral amputations. She stood by him with a loyalty and tenderness that few marriages ever reach. She understood him, believed in him, and loved him through circumstances that would have broken many others. Joyce supported him through many profound health setbacks that were powerful influences on the course of their lives.

She built a long and steady career as an insurance adjuster, working for more than 30 years in the field, most of that time with General Dynamics on cases and decisions that impacted many lives. She was known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and the calm, steady presence. Many colleagues valued her reliability and the quiet integrity with which she approached complex cases and challenging situations.

She also found joy in the quieter pleasures of life. Joyce had a tender fondness for red cardinals, collecting them in many forms. She cared deeply for her many pets, a love inherited from her mother. She delighted in the warmth of Christmas, its decorations, and the comfort of Hallmark movies. Even in later years, when she faced significant health limitations, Joyce maintained a gentle disposition and remained a source of warmth to those around her.

Faith played a meaningful role in phases of Joyce’s life. Born into the Lutheran faith, she carried its values of kindness and humility daily interactions. These qualities were evident not only in her work, but in the way she cared for those around her. It extended to studies of the Bible, with several copies being among the relatively few positions she maintained until her passing.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Richard Everson of Unionville Connecticut, Great Aunt Meta Hoblin Stryker of Staten Island New York, three  nephews, and by eight  great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, her brother, George Andrew Lincoln Everson, Jr, as well as her parents, and a nephew.

Joyce and her husband were cremated. A graveside service will be held on June 25th at 11am at Jordan Cemetery, where their ashes will be interred together. Those wishing information about the interment of Joyce and Richard Nadeau may contact her brother, Richard Everson, at [email protected] for details. Memorial donations may be made to GBS/CIDP Foundation International, a charity devoted to research and care for Guillain-Barré syndrome.