Joyce Stacey

Joyce Lee Stacey, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2021 with her family by her side after a short battle with cancer. Joyce was born February 15, 1938 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Meredith W. and Freda W. (Yonker) Vind. During her high school years, she was a camp counselor at the YWCA and worked at Woolworth's during the holiday season. She was a 1956 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. She attended Western Michigan University and earned her master's degree in early childhood education. She worked for the Kalamazoo Public Schools for 29 years as an elementary teacher and instructional specialist. She taught at Woodward, Spring Valley, Winchell and Lakewood Elementary schools. She met Ralph E. Stacey, at Ridgeview Golf Course in 1982 and they were married on June 23, 1983. They lived at their home on Sherman Lake for 35 years during the summer months and wintered at their home in Lakeland, Florida for the past 20 years. She and Ralph both enjoyed the game of golf, fishing, bowling, traveling and pontoon rides. Joyce enjoyed gatherings at the lake with family and friends. She had a soft spot in her heart for animals, especially cats. During her retirement she put together two recipe books to support the Augusta VFW 7956 where she was a life-member. She cherished her childhood friends Kay, Pat, Joyce, Nancie and Sharon. Joyce and Kay traveled to several European countries, China and they took a cruise through the Panama Canal. Joyce enjoyed tap dancing, reading, puzzles, Sudoku, card games, and dominoes. She was an active person and never sat down. She was an avid walker. Joyce believed in Jesus Christ and joined the catholic faith in 2016. Many memories have been left behind by Joyce, and her family and friends will cherish those precious times with her forever. The hole in our hearts will never heal. She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Stacey (and Rosie the cat) of Augusta, MI; children Becky (Mark) Emerson of Kalamazoo, MI; Doug (Debbie) Alford of Jackson, MI; step-children Chris (Jim) Adams of Clermont, FL; Ralph Stacey of Myrtle Beach, SC; Michelle (Dennis) Stacey-Brazile of Palm Coast, FL and Don (Karin) Stacey of Lffelsterz, Germany. Ten grandchildren Andrea, Matthew, Emily, Crystal, Katlyn, Kyle, Tim, Ben, Sarah and Alex. Six great-grandchildren Amara, Ella, Adelynn, Wyatt, Cooper, Davis and a great-granddaughter due in March 2022. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Bob Hassan of Lakeland FL; niece, Marla; nephew, Tom and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Meredith and Freda Vind and her beloved sister, Joanne Hassan. Joyce and Joanne were very close. They never lived more than a few miles away from each other and for the past 20 years lived on the same street. The family would like to thank Bronson Advanced Illness Management and Centrica Care Hospice (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan) for the wonderful care they provided Joyce. Thank you to the many people who visited, called, texted, and wrote. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends were with her in the days before she passed. Per Joyce's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on June, 23 2022 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Bronson Advanced Illness Management, Centrica Care Hospice (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan) or the American Diabetes Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com. Peace and Love to all.