M. Joyce Edwards

Joyce Edwards, 97, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Island Shores Assisted Living, Neenah. She was born on May 16, 1924, in Kenosha, the daughter of James and Jean (Allison) Galloway. Joyce was united in marriage to Donald N. Edwards on February 16, 1946, in Kenosha. He preceded her in death on January 27, 2008. She enjoyed having the most important job of all, being a mom. Notably feeling as though it was her main purpose in life to always be present for her children and her love of life was extraordinary.

Later in life, she took art classes. Watercolor painting became her favorite medium, and she even participated in many shows in surrounding area galleries. Joyce was a charter member of the Wauwatosa Artists Workshop, a member of the Appleton Women’s Club for 25 years, and also a Touchmark Friendship Ambassador.

Joyce is survived by her children: Lynn (Russ) Lichte of Appleton and their children, Erick (Ashley) Lichte of Vancouver, BC and Kelly (Tim) Thorson and their son: Alex Thorson of Chaska, MN; Larry (Judy) Edwards of Denver, CO and their children, Elizabeth (Kevin) Illick and their son: Braylen, of Glenwood Springs, CO, and Mark (fiancé Emberly Sinclair) Edwards of St Paul, MN; Lee (Rich) Warnes of Cedarburg and her son, Michael (Janell) Saur of Boston, MA; and John (Cindy) Edwards of Hartland and their daughters, Sarah and Lauren Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a sister: Betsy (Richard) Stein and infant grandson, Jacob Edwards.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Tuesday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. (Masks are requested and social distancing observed) Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Joyce’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Island Shores, especially Rebecca Philpot, DNP, Lexi, RN and the staff at ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their care and compassion.