Joy Brundage

All who knew Joy Brundage would agree that life was certainly more interesting when she was around. She could be feisty at times and had colorful language, and she was completely devoted to the family she treasured. Joy was independent and strong and someone who was completely capable on her own. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, she created a sparkling mosaic of memories with her friends and loved ones that will remain forever in their hearts.

The 1920s were a time of radical change due to the countless changes happening in technology with new advancements, discoveries, and inventions. Jazz music dominated the airwaves, and people were headed out to take in a show on Broadway in record numbers as this was Broadway’s all time peak. Babe Ruth commanded baseball fields across the nation while Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart forever transformed the world of flight. Amidst this colorful time a young couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan area was filled with great anticipation as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby as the summer breezes began to whisper of the first glimpses of fall. Their wait was over on September 21, 1922, when baby Joy drew her first breath. She was the oldest of three girls born to her parents, Roy and Mildred (Finch) Brundage, and she was raised in the family home alongside her younger sisters, Donna and Inez. To support his family, Joy’s father worked at the paper mill in Parchment while her mother did a few odd jobs here and there as she was able.

For the most part Joy experienced an upbringing that was common for other young girls of her generation. As the oldest in her family, she had a rather commanding presence and made sure that her younger sisters knew that she was the boss. Joy, Donna and Inez would often play cards, not just as a form of entertainment, but to see who would have to do the dishes. As the prosperity of the twenties gave way to the thirties, our nation was covered under the blanket of the Great Depression when countless American families struggled to make ends meet. During this unprecedented time Joy was a student at local schools, and she went on to graduate from Plainwell High School in the early forties.

With her formal education behind her, Joy was ready to embrace all the world has to offer. She worked in a variety of industries through the years. Although she never married or had children of her own, Joy delighted in being with her sisters and their families. She always had a special place in her heart for children, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. Joy had many dogs through the years, and they were like family to her as their companionship was of the utmost importance to her.

Throughout her life there were so many things that Joy enjoyed. She loved getting out, but she never drove a car so it was her bike that got her wherever she needed to go. McDonald’s was always a favorite place, and she had a rather extensive collection of the toys and figurines from Happy Meals. Joy had a competitive side and liked playing both cards and Yahtzee with anyone who was willing. She also loved to be entertained by her "Jazzy" Big Band Albums. She loved fishing whenever she could, and she enjoyed watching baseball and cheering on her favorite team - the Detroit Tigers. As her friends and loved ones can attest, Joy was well versed on all things concerning pollution and was rather outspoken about her opinions on the matter. In fact, if one was looking to have a debate with her, bringing up the topic of pollution was always a surefire bet. She felt very strongly that pollution was very dangerous and something that needed to be dealt with in a serious way.

A lifelong resident of the Plainwell area, Joy Brundage brought so much joy to her loved ones. She could be a bit opinionated, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind when it came to matters she felt passionate about. Joy had a unique sense of humor and could often make those around her laugh as she was always looking for ways to brighten the days of others. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Joy B. Brundage of Plainwell died on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Joy’s family includes her two sisters: Donna (Bill) Bushee, of Plainwell; Inez (Ray) Crawford, of FL; and six nieces and nephews. There will be a graveside service in the spring. Please visit Joy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881).