Obituary of Joyce Ann Ellis

Ellis, Joyce Ann (Bigley)

Joyce Ann (Bigley) Ellis. Age 82, originally of Brooklyn Center and most recently of Plymouth, passed away July 29, 2024, after a years-long battle with dementia.

Born in St. Cloud to Bernard and Mildred Bigley, the family later moved to St. Louis Park where she graduated high school in 1960.  Following high school, she worked as an X-ray technician in Seattle, WA, where she met and married Gary Ellis.  Their 60 years of marriage was filled with love, and laughter, deep companionship and devotion to each other.   Their commitment to one another through good times and bad is a beautiful testament to their marriage vows that were made on July 11, 1964.

After a brief stint in Alabama, Gary and Joyce moved back to MN where she became a stay-at-home mom and raised three children. After the kids grew into young adults and moved on, Joyce dedicated her time and energy volunteering in numerous areas, including early childhood family education and her beloved St. Alphonsus Church.

She was blessed with many friends and colleagues over the years, especially her dear friends the Heitzigs, Johnsons, Nystroms, and Snapkos.  Joyce and Gary made many fond memories with this life-long group playing golf (poorly), bowling, camping, cabin trips, and late-night cards with a few drinks and a lot of laughs.

Joyce’s worldview was one of love and acceptance of everyone.  She spent many years in care and concern for others, often with people who were disadvantaged, infirmed, or struggling in some way.  A devoted member of St. Alphonsus Church for over 50 years, Joyce was deeply involved in the community through youth education, parish council, eucharistic ministry, leadership, and volunteerism.  She experienced great satisfaction providing service to others throughout her life and was recognized on several occasions by Health Partners for her Hospice work, Meals on Wheels, and voted Volunteer of the Year in 2001 by St. Alphonsus Church.

If you want to spend some time to honor Joyce, find time for your family, call a friend, volunteer in your community, or help people who are less fortunate.  These are the things that made her life so impactful to those around her.

She is survived by loving husband of 60 years, Gary, sister Janice, children David (Nora) and Sheryl (Chuck) and grandchildren Connor, Samuel, Carter, Peter, and Sara, whom she nurtured and adored. Preceded in death by her son Mark, parents Bernard and Mildred Bigley, brothers Clem, Don, Francis, and Pat.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Church in Brooklyn Center (7025 Halifax Ave N). on August 13th at 11 AM, visitation 1 hour prior, and reception following at the Church.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.