JOYCE E LAVALLEY

Joyce was born on November 23, 1929 in Barnum, Minnesota to John and Nettie Hill. She died at age 96, peacefully, at home, in Superior, Wisconsin on February 25, 2026 with family by her side.

Joyce was the youngest child in the family. As a young girl, the family moved to South Superior. She graduated from Superior Central High School in 1947, and Vocational School in 1949. She began work as a secretary at the Co-op Wholesale in Superior. She met her husband George through a co-worker, his sister Marcella. George and Joyce were married on February 18, 1950. She continued her working career for another year. When the first child was born, she became a full-time mom. She devoted her time and energy to raising her children for the next 25 years.

In 1976 she went back into the workforce, eventually working in the UWS School of Business for 18 years as a secretary, until retiring in 1994.

In retirement, she and George traveled on many bus trips, and two trips overseas to Europe. Eventually they settled in a winter home in Queen Valley, Arizona for 10 years.

Joyce and George did woodworking for many years. He would build and she would paint and finish. She became very skilled at painting wildlife and flowers on the many craft items they made. Many relatives and friends have their “works of art”.

Joyce had a great sense of humor. She was hard-working, patient, easy-going, and fun to be with.

She loved family and family visitors. She loved cooking, gardening, and was an avid reader. There was a 50-year tradition of family fish fries, the fish supplied by the family fishermen. Her famous roast beef dinner was loved by everyone.

In her last few years, she loved the occasional “road trip” with daughters Cathy and Liz, making day-trips locally to Ashland, Barnes, Hayward, and visiting family in the Barnum area. She loved watching the birds and wild animals out her kitchen window.

In her last weeks, so many friends and family visited with her at home. She loved and appreciated every moment of every visit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, daughter Darla, 4 sisters, Marion, Shirley, Audrie, and Beverly, brother Ron, several brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joyce is survived by her children George (Kay), Gary (Luann), Catherine, Bruce, and Elizabeth; 10 grand-children, 20 great-grand-children and 1 great-great-grand- child; many nieces, nephews.

The family would like to thank the Essentia Health hospice team for the wonderful care and support provided to our mother and family. Thank you so much.

A memorial service will be on June 6, 2026, at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2316 E 4th Street, Superior, Wi. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM with Mass at 11:00.