Mary Elizabeth Joyce, age 78, of Mystic, passed away peacefully on Monday December 10th at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Lee, as her friends and family knew her, was born, the youngest of four children, in Riverton, NJ in 1934 to Mary and John Strohlein. She graduated with a degree in primary education from Glassboro State College in New Jersey.
She taught first and second grades in Sierra Madre, California until her marriage to Howard W. Joyce in 1959. Mary Lee and Howard moved with their family to Mystic, CT in 1974 where they were faithful members of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
She is survived by her four children, Lisa Aldrich of Groton, Steven Joyce of Wallingford, Laurie Joyce of San Anselmo, CA and Kristen Joyce Flanagan of Madison, NJ and her sons-in-laws, Glen Aldrich, Kevin Lozaw and Kevin Flanagan. Mary Lee also leaves 16 adoring grandchildren: Christopher, Michael, Nicholas and Peter Aldrich, Michael, Andrew and Rachel Joyce, Jacqueline, Katrina and Caroline Lozaw, and Kyle, Brendan, Liam, Katie, Jack, and Nolan Flanagan.
Mary Lee was a seamstress extraordinaire and creator of prom gowns, Halloween costumes, and endless arts and crafts. She possessed a love of interior design, art and theater that she shared with her wonderfully blessed children and grandchildren. "We love you, Mom and Grammy forever!
Mary Lee's family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Friday from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass will celebrated at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main St, Mystic on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Cardiac Care Unit, c/o Office of Development, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with Mary Lee's family, please click the link below.