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Joyce Vernava Obituary
Born in Lynn on Jan. 14, 1942, daughter of Josephine Jean Brown, she grew up in Lynn and Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School, class of 1959.
She married Robert M. Vernava, and together they designed and built their first home in Swampscott near her beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Joyce was the most devoted mom to the loves of her life, daughter, Wendy, and son, Rob. During the 1970s while residing at 1 Endicott Ave. in Marblehead, she worked at the Boston Yacht Club, Kelley Construction, Wilson and Silsby Sailmakers, Essex Bank and the Preston Beach Motor Inn.
A huge sports enthusiast, she enjoyed tailgating at Boston College Eagles football games, and she was a devoted Patriots fan.
In 1980, Joyce and her mom bought a home and moved to South Yarmouth. She loved her life, friends and jobs there, working in the restaurant business during the top-dog era. Her most recent favorite job was keeping the books for the Skipper Lookout Lounge. She loved relaxing with her friends at Kevin's Seafood and Spirits and was a member of the Moose Lodge.
Always the hostess with the mostest, she threw fabulous dinner parties and cocktail gatherings for friends and family in her backyard gardens on the Cape.
Joyce loved spending time at her winter home in Bonita Springs, Fla., with friends Bob, Betty, Jackie, Bill, Mark, Nancy and Dave.
Her passions included cruises, her recipes, beach and boating, gardening, work, sports, family time — and most recently, spoiling the newest loves of her life, granddaughter Hannah and grandson Robbie.
Joyce's generosity, beauty, spirit, determination and enthusiasm touched all who met her. She will be missed by her special friends, Anne and Bruce, Betty and Joy, Peg and Bette, Nancy, Linda and Carol; her special boss, Alan; and her special love, Jay.
She is survived by adoring daughter, Wendy, and grandcats; son, Rob; daughter-in-law, Amy; grandchildren, Hannah and Robbie; brother, Dennis; sister-in-law, Bette; aunts, Ag and Jen; beloved cousins; and so many friends.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 9, at 10 a.m., at St. Pius X Church on Station Avenue in South Yarmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org.
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6 Entries
Ruth Fletcher
June 10, 2008
We shall so miss Joyce! My sister and I owned the house across the street and really enjoyed being her neighbor. We had hoped she would come visit us down in Florida when she was feeling better. We are happy we got to see last fall.
She was a great neighbor and great friend and our warmest sympathies go to you.
JOY CHILDS
June 9, 2008
MISS JOYCE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP TO MY MOTHER BETTY BOOP AND THANK YOU FOR OUR FRIENDSHIP. LOTS OF GOOD TIMES, LOTS. WE'LL SEE YOU SOON.
TO WENDY, PEGGY, ROBBIE AND JAY, YOUR MOTHER, FRIEND AND LOVE WILL BE CHERISHED BY ALL OF US FOREVER. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE THE MEMORIES.
catherine sheldon
June 8, 2008
dearest beloved family of joyce, i am sister to linda, i met joyce and had a nice talk w/her, a caring wonderful person, now at peace w/no more suffering, forever in my prayers...
Linda Sheldon
June 8, 2008
Dear Friend,
You are smiling down at all your family and friends with Angels by your side. Your suffering is over and now you have peace.
We will all miss your beautiful smile
Lovingly,
Linda
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J S
June 8, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Ann Marie Norman
June 8, 2008
Wendy & family. I was so saddened by the death of Joyce. Although I had not seen her in years (since I moved to Fla.,East coast) But there was a time we had a lot of fun together, Marina Bay, Moose, Uncle Jackie, yard sales,bridge, last but not least WOODY I suppose he met her at the pearly gates & are now planning a faaabulose dinner party love & prayers Ann Marie
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