Joanne L. (Derba) Joyce

Of Canton.  She loved the warmth of the sun and spending time at the beaches of Marshfield and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. She also loved to shop.  We offer our condolences to area merchants as the local economy will undoubtedly experience a mild recession as a result of her passing.  She was surrounded by family when she left us peacefully on December 7, 2018 after an unexpected and short battle with cancer.  Words are insufficient to express the love she provided to her kids, her sister, friends, grandchildren and her husband. She was in her element with friends and family, going out to lunch or dinner, holding court on the deck in Marshfield, telling stories, listening, smiling and laughing. She leaves her loving husband, Michael P. Joyce, whose love, humor and mischief she relished in for 48 years as his “Cupcake.”  She provided unparalleled love and support to her two children, Jeannemarie of Milton and Michael of Westwood. She was tremendously proud of the accomplishments and lives that they have built with their spouses (Keith Doucette and Kathleen Devlin Joyce); none of which would have occurred without her determination, character and the constant support she provided throughout their lives.  She was the loyal companion and identical twin sister of Jeanne Derba of Salem, NH, with whom she was all but inseparable. She was the devoted daughter of Eugene and Dorothea(Hagerty) Derba, who predeceased her, but from whom she inherited her sparkling blue eyes, a passion for entertaining, her love of a good night out and one heck of a recipe for meatballs.  She was the proud graduate of Marycliff Academy in Winchester and Vernon Court College in Newport, RI. She was beautiful, smart, funny and a talented artist; traits she loved to share with her four grandchildren: Lily Doucette (15), Sean Joyce (10), Delia Joyce (7), and Ciara Joyce (2).  She is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, including the Joyce, Criess, Larkey, Clifford, Bayer, Dickson, and Pleasant families.  She had no regrets. 

We ask all who knew her not to linger on her departure, but to raise a glass to toast a life well-lived and to join us in thanks for all of the love and laughter she shared with us.

Visiting Hours in the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, Canton Wednesday  Dec. 12th from 3-8pm. Funeral Mass in St. Gerard Majella, 1860 Washington Street in Canton on Thursday Dec. 13th at 10am.  Burial St. Mary Cemetery Canton.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Joanne Joyce to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. 

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