Joyce E. McInnis

Portland- Joyce Estelle McInnis, 87, passed away on June 25, 2023, after struggling with Dementia for three long years. She was born January 25, 1936. The daughter of Eliza Emma Sharp and William Charles Wheatley. She was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec with her three brothers, Bill, Eddie and Floyd and her sister Elaine. She moved to the United States at age 17 and waitressed with her mom in New Hampshire. She also waitressed at Valle’s Steak House. She eventually moved to Portland Maine where she met her late husband, Donald McInnis. She and Donald raised their children in Portland, Maine. Joyce worked for Key Bank and Bank of America for many years. Once she retired, she worked part time as a dementia personal care specialist. In 2012 she received the Excellence in Long-Term Care Award. She was very proud and deserving of this award.

One of her favorite things to do was take her children skiing at Mt Abrams. She would sit in the lodge and knit all day long while her children skied trail after trail. She also crocheted beautiful afghans and baby blankets and sweaters. One of her latest passions was quilting. She made gorgeous quilts. One for each of her grandchildren.

She had many relatives in Canada. At least twice a year she would pack up the station wagon with her husband and the children and off to Canada they went. She continued this her entire life. Her Canadian family was very special to her.

Joyce loved to spend time with her grandchildren. Whether it was jukado, dance recitals, plays, soccer, baseball, cheering, football, basketball, or field hockey. She was their biggest fan. She also was an avid Red Sox fan. Back in the day she and Donald would hop on the opening day bus trip to Fenway Park and have the time of their lives. They would also take many trips to Florida for Red Sox Spring training.

She is survived by her children Andrew McInnis, Patrick McInnis, Tim McInnis of Portland. Martin McInnis and Christy Arnett of Gorham. Joyce McInnis Champagne of Westbrook, Marie Caswell of Stratham, New Hampshire, and Nancy Getchell of Portland. Her many grandchildren, Amy, Jimmy, Amy, Lindsay, Ashley, Marty, Timmy, Conor, Mackenzie, Drew, Kyle, and Katelyn. Her sister, Elaine Wheatley of South Portland, and her sister-in-law Jane McInnis of Westbrook. She is also survived by her three favorite people whom she spent most of her time with, Kim McInnis Dolan and her little buddies Mallory and Myles.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the providers and staff at Sedgewood Commons and Compassus Hospice as this was where she spent her final months. They made her last journey a comfortable one.

A celebration of life will be on July 29, 2023, from 3 pm to 7 pm, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. The first two hours will be reserved for condolences and service, the remaining time will be for socializing with food and drinks. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in Joyce’s honor.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Joyce’s tribute page and to sign her online guestbook.