Joyce Slack

Joyce Slack was blessed with the ability to enjoy the simple things in life – the warmth of the sunshine on a summer day, the thrill of the open road, and the company of a friend or family member. Kind and friendly, Joyce effortlessly made friends with everyone she met. Her greatest joy was being with her beloved family, and she dedicated her life to caring for those she loved.

Joyce was born on January 25, 1932, the first and only child of proud parents Elwyn “Corky” and Edith (Richardson) Westin. The Westin family lived in Otsego, Michigan, where Corky owned and operated a steel heat-treatment facility. Joyce attended the local Otsego schools through the eleventh grade.

One afternoon, while walking around downtown Otsego, Joyce met a young man named Nelson Slack. Joyce and Nelson hit it off right away, and soon started dating. Their romance was interrupted when Nelson went into the military, but they picked up right where they had left off after Nelson was honorably discharged. On April 8, 1954, Joyce and Nelson traveled to Angola, Indiana, where they became man and wife.

The newlyweds soon returned to Otsego, and in the years to come Joyce and Nelson were blessed with four children: John, Virginia, Patricia, and Teresa. Joyce became a homemaker, staying home to raise the kids. Loving but strict, Joyce was definitely the disciplinarian of the household! Although Joyce did most of the household chores, she was never comfortable in the kitchen – she was happy to do the dishes, as long as someone else did the cooking. When all the kids had started school, Joyce found a position as a playground supervisor at Lake Center Elementary.

When she had the chance, Joyce loved to go camping. She and Nelson were Gold Wing Club members, and traveled all over the country with their motorcycle and trailer. They especially enjoyed heading out West, and one of their favorite destinations was the casinos in Las Vegas. Joyce was equally content to stay at home, however, and was happy as could be just sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine.

Sadly, the time came when Joyce’s beloved companion Nelson passed away. Although these were difficult months for Joyce, she found great comfort in being with her family. Her sister, proud owner of six cocker spaniels, invited Joyce to move in, and Joyce accepted. In recent years, Joyce’s life has been brightened by playing bingo, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and taking care of her sister’s dogs (who she treated like grandchildren).

Stubborn but kind-hearted and affectionate, Joyce was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Joyce Slack died on October 5, 2012, at the age of 80. Joyce’s family includes her children, John (Penny) Slack, Virginia McAllister, Patricia (Dewey) Rogers, and Teresa (Richard) Louis; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson; her granddaughter, Audra; and her son-in-law, George.

A memorial service will be held at Yorkville Community Church; 11523 East D Ave. Richland, MI on Monday at 1:00. Memorial donations may be made to the Borgess VNA Hospice. Please visit Joyce’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.