Born in Richmond, Virginia, she was the daughter of Clyde Treffeisen and Deborah Wheeler, and wife of Nathan Bedard. She was raised and educated in Milford, NH, graduating from Milford High School in 1995. Joy had the gift of art and creativity, and attended Mount Ida College in Newton, MA graduating with a degree in Fashion Design in 1997. Joy also found a passion for the law and cared deeply for her work as a paralegal, working most recently with Rob Ruffner at the Maine Indigent Defense Center in Portland, and before that at the Law Office of Scott Hess.
Joy lived life to the fullest and took on all adventures that came her way. She was happiest being a “Mainer” with her husband, Nate. She loved music (Rush and Phish especially) and dancing. Throughout her youth, she danced tap, ballet, and jazz with her sister Kristy. Joy was always with her menagerie of fur babies, enjoying the outdoors, kayaking at the family lake camp, gardening, or hanging with friends and family. She had an infectious smile, a heart full of kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Joy took a lot of pride in her incredible cooking abilities and showed her love often through her creations. Joy had a remarkable bond with her grandmother, Gladys. The kitchen became a place where their hearts connected and where stories and recipes were shared between them. Joy cherished their relationship immensely.
Joy was a light for those around her – her personality vibrant, beautiful, colorful, and unforgettable. She was unapologetically Joy; bold, kind, loving, nurturing and stronger than anyone could ever imagine. When the love of her life, Nate suffered a traumatic brain injury, Joy never lost faith and helped him through to a full recovery. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.
Joy is survived by her adoring husband Nate Bedard; loving mom Debbie Wheeler and bonus dad Doug Wheeler; bonus mom Barbara Treffeisen; and maternal grandmother Gladys Hutchins. She is pre-deceased by her father Clyde Treffeisen, her grandfather Lee Hutchins, and sister Linette.
Joy loved all her sisters and their families; Kimberly Cornwell, Lauren St Amand, Phil and Sam Trapani, and Erik and Kristy Strand, as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law; Amy and Michael Gillis, Audrey and Dave Lavorgna, and Todd Bedard and his partner Lorianne Rumley of Wilton, ME.
Joy was known as the “cool Aunt” and was crazy about all her nieces and nephews. She embraced her role as an aunt with an abundance of love and pride. She was an exceptional mother to her fur babies as well and loved them all dearly. She will be reunited with her special dog Pooka, and cats Foosa and Bastet who passed before.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joy’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 19 at the Cornerstone Church, 48 Cottage Rd, Windham, ME. Church service at 1 pm, followed by lunch in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joy’s memory to The Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland https://arlgp.org/make-a-gift/donate/
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