Jeanne Ann Joyce, 96, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Born to William and Daisy Mullally in Aberdeen, South Dakota, she was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, granddaughter Caroline Jeanne Joyce, great-grandson Hank Weaver and her loving husband of fifty years, John Joyce.
A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jeanne was a graduate of Saint Mary's College with her BA in Sociology and had a career with the State of Oklahoma DHS for 20+ years until her retirement in 1994 as a Daycare Licensing Manager, putting her childcare knowledge to work and developing a deep empathy for single mothers and underprivileged children.
Upon retirement, she would volunteer her time at Madonna House, Birthright, and Catholic Charities. Jeanne and John were founding members of St. Pius X Catholic Church, where all their children attended school. Jeanne was a member of the 55+ Club for nearly forty years. She embraced retirement with her husband after 40 years of working and parenting. Together, they were able to enjoy years of travel, volunteering, bridge playing, and family visits until John's sudden death in 2003.
Jeanne was a voracious reader! She shared her passion with her children who continue her legacy through book clubs and well-used library cards. Jeanne was reading 5 books a week until her final years. She would be the first to admit she often read the last chapter first to make sure she liked the story.
Jeanne had over twenty more years to devote to her family and friends and took great pride in her pie baking and homemade cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed hosting a festive Christmas tea for her friends where she prepared all her specialties. Her last two years were spent at Montereau Assisted Living where she made many new friends with her warmth and humor. She was able to attend daily Mass and became a bingo regular, always giving her winnings (in the form of candy) to the Montereau staff. She will be remembered as a beautiful and generous woman, always fashionably accessorized.
Jeanne is survived by her brother, Frank Mullally; sons Joe Joyce, John Joyce (Lisa); daughters Marcia (Dave) Freund, Mary (Kit) Broach, Lisa (Bill) Freeman, Susan Joyce, Denise (Bud) Reynolds; grandson Geoffrey Broach; granddaughters Christi (John) Weaver, Jennifer (Dan) Hamilton, Lizzy (Ryan) Buck, Sarah Stanton, Michelle Joyce, and Mary (Sam) Garcia; great-grandchildren Avery and Heidi Buck, Della and Eli Hamilton, Jack and Max Weaver.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Pius X Endowment Fund. Rosary services to be held Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00pm; the Mass of Christian Burial July 17 at 10:00am at Saint Pius X Catholic Church.