Virginia Beach – Ann Saunders Joyce, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A native of Rhode Island, she had been an area resident since 2001.
Born on November 30, 1926 in Providence, she was the eldest daughter of the late Henry S. Joyce, M.D, and Mary O’Donnell Joyce. She is survived by her sister, Martha J. Bickley, ten nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Steven S. Joyce of Millis, Massachusetts and Alan R. Joyce of Hingham, Massachusetts.
Ann graduated from Classical High School in Providence, received her Bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island School of Design and a Master’s degree from Brown University. After a brief stint as a textile designer she took up her life work as a secondary school art teacher. She brought a love of art into her students’ lives as she taught for 39 years in the East Providence school system. She was head of the high school art department when she retired in 1989. She belonged to the Retired Art Teachers, serving as president for four years, the East Bay Retired Teachers, and the Barrington Women’s Club.
Throughout her life Ann delighted in fabric-based artwork, using batik, quilting, sewing and embroidery to express herself. She loved to share her creations with her family and friends. Her works of art continue to remind us of our time together.
Special thanks to Becky’s Helpers for their care of Ann in her final days.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 AM on Monday, December 23, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Please share your condolences with the family at www.FamilyChoiceFunerals.com
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To Miss Joyce’s family ~ I was a student of Miss Joyce’s for all three years of high school in East Providence. It was my favorite class, made special by Miss Joyce’s brilliant style of encouraging the creative talents of her students. Class projects were often whimsical, sometimes practical, and always interesting and fun. To this day, I use skills that Miss Joyce introduced (“Always cut in the hinged end of scissors, not at the blade tips, turning paper in the direction of the cut versus driving the scissors.”). We all knew we were being taught by an exceptional artist ~ sharing her talent with students was a generous and immeasurable gift. I will forever be grateful for that and will continue to admire and appreciate such a wonderful teacher.
With sincere sympathy,
Susan Hirst Read, EPHS ’69
I know that this condolence comes late, but I just had to tell you how heartbroken I was when I heard of Miss Joyces death. she was a dear friend to me more than someone that I just cared for and helped. I always enjoyed hearing her stories about her life and her beloved family and in turn she enjoyed my Curly stories, calling my dog that little imp. She always seemed so young to me if not physically, most certainely in spirit. I will truly miss her.