Sister Elizabeth Joyce, SP
October 3, 1935 - March 19, 2010
Obituary
Elizabeth Jean Joyce, SP
Sister Elizabeth Jean Joyce Sister Macrina died on Friday, March 19, 2010 at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, Washington at 74 years of age, after 56 years as a Sister of Providence. The Vigil Service will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010 at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Avenue SW, Seattle, Washington at 7:00 p.m., and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Seattle. Bonney-Watson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sister Elizabeth Joyce was born October 3, 1935 in a farmhouse in Erin Township, Wisconsin to Robert Henry and Jean Teresa Meath Joyce, an Irish Catholic family. She is the oldest of four children born to her parents. When Elizabeth was four years of age, the family moved to Seattle, WA where her father found work at Boeing Aircraft Company and was eventually advanced to supervisor.
She attended three public grade schools in White Center, South Seattle, and then attended the 6th-8th grades at Holy Family Grade School in the same district. She graduated in 1953 from Providence Academy, Vancouver, WA.
She was invited to consider religious vocation during her senior year in high school. She entered into the Sisters of Providence in Seattle at Mount St. Vincent and at her first profession in 1955 she took the religious name of Sister Macrina.
Sr. Elizabeth received a BS degree in Education from the College of Great Falls, Great Falls, Montana, 1964; a CCD Master Certification from St. Mary’s College, Omaha Nebraska, 1970; and a MA degree in Religious Education at St. Thomas University, Houston, Texas, 1975.
From 1955 to 1967, Sr. Elizabeth taught primary grades in schools located in Washington, Alaska, and California.
In 1955, she was sent to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary School in Sun Valley, California to train for one month to be a first-grade teacher, then to Immaculate Conception School, Fairbanks, Alaska, 56-58; Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Sun Valley, CA, 58-62; Sacred Heart School, Tacoma, Washington, 62-63; Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Vancouver, Washington, 63-66; and Holy Family School, Seattle, Washington, 66-67.
From 1962 to 1997, she attended numerous workshops, conferences, classes, and conventions dealing with pastoral concerns, ministries, counseling, future of the American church, parish life, etc.
From 1967 – 1970, Sr. Elizabeth and her dear friend, Sr. Virginia Miller, teamed up to work in parish ministry in Vancouver, Washington. From 1970 – 1977, they were hired to work in parish ministry in Snohomish, Poulsbo, and Monroe, Washington. In 1977, they spearheaded a pilot project for the Office of Religious Education involving rural ministry in the northern counties of Washington which they continued for three years. In 1980, they were transferred to Longview, Washington where they ministered to seven area churches, including Kelso, Castle Rock, Winlock, Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield, Washington, and Clatskanie, Oregon. In February 1987, Sisters Elizabeth and Virginia were commissioned as the first women parochial ministers in the Archdiocese of Seattle and ministered at Raymond, Washington.
In June of 1997, she and Sr. Virginia moved to a home in Centralia, Washington. When the apartment above the home became available about a year later, they decided to rent the apartment to offer it as a place for spiritual renewal and counseling which became known as the ‘Upper Room Ministry.’
She was interested in painting, music, gardening, and she loved to read.
Sr. Elizabeth recently moved to St. Joseph Residence in Seattle, Washington.
Sr. Elizabeth’s parents and one brother, Robert Joyce, preceded her in death. She is survived by two brothers, William Joyce, Mountlake Terrace, Washington; Tom Geraldine Joyce, Seattle, Washington; sister-in-law, Rita Robert Joyce; former sister-in-law, Sally Joyce; several nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and grandnieces.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Sisters of Providence Retirement fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016 or to the earthquake victims in Haiti or Chile at: PHI—Haiti Relief Fund or PHI—Chile Relief Fund at Providence Health International, 1801 Lind Avenue S., #9016, Renton, WA 98057–9016 or donate online at http://www2.providence.org/phs/phi/Pages/donate-online.aspx
I have such wonderfully fond memories of Sister Betty. Twenty four ago today 4/5/86 she was there with my family as my sister Dorothy Joyce passed after her battle with Cancer.Her faith was a gift to us at that time. God Bless and please accept my condolences. Mary Love and family, Mark, Krystal and Serene
You will certainly be missed. Over the years you have done so much for the Community and the people of God in the rural areas of Washington. My God bless you and may you rest in peace.
My heart goes out to the family of Sister Elizabeth and also especially Sr. Virginia. We truly had a wonderful experience when they were assigned to head the joint parishes @ Holy Family in Frances along with St. Lawrence in Raymond. They taught us so much.
Rest comfortably in peace!
Betty, was a very dear friend of mine. I went to Holy Family school with her.I saw her in January after a memorial for my mom that was held at the mount st Vincent.
My thoughts and prayers are with all your family
We have fond memories of family gatherings. Our paths strayed apart over the years but our thoughts and prayers were allways there. Our sincere condolences to Bill and Tom and the entire Joyce family.
To the family of Sr. Elizabeth Joyce, her religious community; especially Sr. Virginia Miller ~ May you find comfort in our belief that when we enter into God’s Kingdom, Elizabeth will be there to meet us; more beautiful than ever, for she will already have seen the face of God!
Peace,
Del and Lois Brown
Raymond, WA
Srs. Elizabeth and Virginia welcomed me with wonderful hospitality, to their home in Centralia. Bless them both.
Sister Elizabeth was a wonderful friend of our family and we enjoyed many wonderful times together. She is now with God and many other friends and family members that have went before her. She will be missed by many but I am positive she is smiling with joy in her new accomidations.
Sister Elizabeth you will be always in my fond memories my love goes with you to God. Ps say hello to my Dad, Tony and everyone who greets you as you enter heaven.
We will miss you dearly.
It was my pleasure to live with Sister Elizabeth in Sun Valley, California when she was a new professed. She shared with us her PAV spirit and her beautiful singing voice. Over the years I followed her Ministry as a Pastoral person in parishes in Southwest, WA. Here again, she used her voice to create beautiful liturgies in parishes deprived of resident priests. She served her Church beautifully. It was special to have her here at SJR for her end-of life care . I offer my love and support to her brothers and family and most especially to Sr. Virginia Miller. May your Angel present you to God Most High, Elizabeth. Mary Clare SP
My condolences to her entire family.
She will be spending Easter with her Lord and Savior.
Much gratitude for her life and heartfelt prayers to the family as Sr. Elizabeth was precious to me,having spent three days in her ‘upper room’ when I visited Washington in July 09.
Love, Rita
Betty was a source of consolation and love to me. I regret to hear of your great loss.
Love Toni
To Sister Virginia and Elizabeth JOyce’s family I wish sincere condolances and prayers. Elizabeth was a wonderful person who was far ahead of many in the church. She loved people and I feel blessed to have know her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you have many good memories of shared laughter, job, tears, and hopes.
To Sr. Virginia and the Joyce’s Family,
My deepest sympathy for your great loss. Elizabeth have touched so many lives and I am one of them. I surely will miss her but the memories of our trips and friendship will last forever. May she rest in peace and pray for us.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for bringing your life filled with grace into my life and the lives of so many people. I trust that the Gospel which you studied, shared and lived among us is now being celebrated as you enter into the Reign of God in a new way.
My prayers are with you as you enjoy the peace of God’s presence and the presence of Bob and your parents in a new way. I also pray for your family on earth and for Sr. Virginia, who is family in a special way. With much love…
Margaret
I have very fond memories as a child with Sr. Elizabeth and Sr. Virginia as they spent time at St. Lawrence parish in Raymond. Thank you for your teachings and kindness, you will always have a special place in my heart.
Bill, Tom and the entire Joyce family.
Deeply sorry on your loss. I have many fond memories of spending time with her when she would travel to St. Paul. She was a very generous host when I last visited her in Centralia during the Fall of 2004. God bless all of you.
Thank you for being who you are. You are a very precious Sister. God Bless You. Your Brother Bill
My husband and I consider ourselves enriched and blessed to have known and worked with Sr. Elizabeth Joyce, SP and Sr. Virginia Miller SP. We share the grief at Sr. Elizabeth’s loss but know she is receiving her reward in Heaven. Sincerely, Joseph and Janice Price
My prayers and condolences are with you.
My prayers are with the families and sisters,specially those who share their life close with her.
She is resting in God love. We are grateful for her life with us.
Thank you for the memories!! You are missed….rest in God’s Love
My prayers for Sr. Elizabeth,her family and her community. she was a loving and caring person and Will be greatly missed, Blessing,Nancy Elmore-Ward PA
I’ve always respected and admired Elizabeth’s gift of presence and her many contributions to the mission of the Sisters of Providence.
Sister Virginia and family members, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sure that Jesus met Elizabeth Joyce at the Pearly Gates with open arms and said: “This is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased.”
Sister Elizabeth Joyce was always a person of deep spirituality. I first knew her in boarding school at Providence Academy. She was a person you wanted to be around because of her great sense of humor and interest in ‘how things were going with you?’ She is now at peace with God – undoubtedly on a
high cloud – clearly embraced by her BELOVED that she was so close to and served unconditionally…
Elizabeth, it was a joy to know you and live w/ you. Always a big smile, great energy and love of life. Thank you for all enthusiasm and many gifts you shared with so many, especially the S.P.s . keep us in your heavenly activity. i’ll keep you in my prayers.
jeanette b.
I will always remember Sister Elizabeth as a community leader and one of my Mother’s dearest friends.
Sr. Elizabeth was a very dedicated sister and full of life and humor. Such a grand lady. My love and support to Sr. Virginia Miller at this time.
Family Joyes.
This comes
to let you know
that understanding thoughts
and deepest sympathy
are with you
in your loss.
Sincere Condolences
My husband pastored the Amer. Baptist Church in Raymond during the time the sisters ministered there. We appreciated their friendship, ecumenical involvement, and visibility in the community. One of God’s finest has gone Home!
As a long time nurse in the North Pacific County, always appreciated the kindness and concern by The Sisters for all patients, especially those on Hospice.
I need treatment because I couldn’t help from grasping the toilet of the white hair old ladie that used the staple gun.on capital hill seattle.can you help me prayer that I’m free.
Betty, was a very dear friend of mine. I went to Holy Family school with her.I saw her in January after a memorial for my mom that was held at the mount st Vincent.
My thoughts and prayers are with all your family
We have fond memories of family gatherings. Our paths strayed apart over the years but our thoughts and prayers were allways there. Our sincere condolences to Bill and Tom and the entire Joyce family.
To the family of Sr. Elizabeth Joyce, her religious community; especially Sr. Virginia Miller ~ May you find comfort in our belief that when we enter into God’s Kingdom, Elizabeth will be there to meet us; more beautiful than ever, for she will already have seen the face of God!
Peace,
Del and Lois Brown
Raymond, WA
Srs. Elizabeth and Virginia welcomed me with wonderful hospitality, to their home in Centralia. Bless them both.
Sister Elizabeth was a wonderful friend of our family and we enjoyed many wonderful times together. She is now with God and many other friends and family members that have went before her. She will be missed by many but I am positive she is smiling with joy in her new accomidations.
Sister Elizabeth you will be always in my fond memories my love goes with you to God. Ps say hello to my Dad, Tony and everyone who greets you as you enter heaven.
We will miss you dearly.
It was my pleasure to live with Sister Elizabeth in Sun Valley, California when she was a new professed. She shared with us her PAV spirit and her beautiful singing voice. Over the years I followed her Ministry as a Pastoral person in parishes in Southwest, WA. Here again, she used her voice to create beautiful liturgies in parishes deprived of resident priests. She served her Church beautifully. It was special to have her here at SJR for her end-of life care . I offer my love and support to her brothers and family and most especially to Sr. Virginia Miller. May your Angel present you to God Most High, Elizabeth. Mary Clare SP
My condolences to her entire family.
She will be spending Easter with her Lord and Savior.
Much gratitude for her life and heartfelt prayers to the family as Sr. Elizabeth was precious to me,having spent three days in her ‘upper room’ when I visited Washington in July 09.
Love, Rita
Betty was a source of consolation and love to me. I regret to hear of your great loss.
Love Toni