Joyce Bury Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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February 23, 2022
It's been a long time since you've been gone. My memory has never been great, and I'm realizing more and more that I don't remember you very well. It breaks my heart.
But I do remember some things. I remember waking up one morning to discover you had painted my nails while I slept. I remember you helping me with my eye exam at school. I remember laying in bed, staying up way too late just to talk to you. I remember the dinners we had where we pretended to be in the distant future, planning an interstellar vacation.
I know that I'm a different person than you probably would have expected me to be. There are things about who I am that I sometimes wonder if you would have accepted.
I don't think those things would have mattered. There is nothing I could do or be that would have ever stopped you from loving me. I know that. I will never forget that.
I know you would be proud of me. I graduated college, Mom! I'm a teacher now. I'm engaged, and I love him more than anything. We have two cats and our own apartment. Things are kind of tough right now, but I'm tougher. You showed me how to be strong.
I love you. I will always love you. You know that, and I know you won't forget it.
I hope you're doing okay. Wherever you are. I hope your rest peaceful. You deserve it.
Linda Shalom
January 10, 2020
I knew Joyce Bury as Joyce Ann Jessee, and I remember laboring with her in the service, as we dug ditches together to establish military communications on field duty. She was like a big sister to me. I remember her beauty on her wedding day, as her maid of honor. I'm going to celebrate her noble life, and her upcoming 55th birthday!
James Jessee
November 24, 2016
My dear sister I miss you. Love Jimmy
james jessee
April 4, 2011
Brianne,I miss your mom so much...I will always wonderwhy her and not me...our mother died when i was 2 and your mother 45 days old...I know she ask God to watch over you and you will see that as you get older in life...she will be with you in your heart always...she showed you love as she wanted it...im here any time your ready...Love always your family...james,jimmee,justin and iris Jessee (s)
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Linda Shalom
April 2, 2011
The short time that I knew her was pleasurable.
May all those who helped her in any way be richly rewarded.
January 21, 2011
Thinking about you on what would have been your 45th birthday today. Miss you more than words could ever express. Always in my heart and on my mind. Love you!!
September 29, 2010
Missing you each and every day! Love you more than words can express!
James Jessee
July 15, 2009
Dear Brianne, If at any time you want to know about your Moms child hood or just want to talk Im here for you. uncle Jimmy
December 10, 2008
My dearest Cousin~
Here it is one of your most favorite times of the year. I am missing you more than ever!
I can not believe that it has been almost a year since the lord called you home. I know that you are not suffering anymore and you are guiding us through our days. What a truly beautiful person you are from the inside out!
I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you today and always. I miss you more than you can ever imagine.
Love you forever and ever!
Michele Cici
July 16, 2008
Dear Brianne,
Your mom was truly special to me and to all those fortunate enough to know her. I still think of her often and miss her dearly.
She was a fabulous woman and a dependable volunteer at school. And while I mostly knew her through our school connection, she had a way of making me feel like a longtime friend. I want you to know that she made a lasting difference in so many lives. She worked tirelessly to help the staff and students at Elm Creek. She wanted more than anything to be there for you, and I believe she will be your bright light throughout your life.
You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Remember to keep dancing your dance! xo Mrs. Cici
Marguerite Ann Gunter
February 4, 2008
Brianne, Your Mom was the person who would take time out to listen even though she had her issues, she was the type person who cared and she was a blessing to all who met her. There was so much so good, true and marvelous about your Mom. I and everyone will miss her.
Jill Suby
January 25, 2008
Dear Brianne,
I did not know your mother very well, but I do know of her generous and caring ways which she evidently passed on to you, because you are such a sweet and generous girl. I hope that you will honor your mother by growing up to be the daughter she always wanted you to be. I know that your mother will always be with you in spirit, and you are so fortunate to have your angels on earth - your grandma and grandpa Kathy and Jerry. God bless you, Kathy and Jerry, for all that you do and have done.
If you ever need anything at school, please feel free to stop and see me in the office.
char white
January 24, 2008
Brianne-Your mom loved you with all her heart and she always will, she will always be alive in your heart (ours too). She was a very special person who never gave up and fought to the very end. She will always be watching you from her new home in heaven! All our love. Toby, Char & Jessie
Joy and Tom Julkowski
January 23, 2008
To Brianne: I felt your mom fit into the family, the moment I met her. She was never upset with the foolishness we White Kids showed at all the family gatherings. Joyce and I shared a love of gardening and nature. She will be sadly missed each spring when it is time to plant. Try to remember your Mom with the big smile and golden hair. She blessed us with many years of memories and of course she blessed us with you. I am so sorry we were not in town when your mom passed. Be brave Brianne, your Mom is always with you. We will always be there if you need us.
To Kathy and Jerry: You shared every moment of Joyce's pain. We were in awe of the dedication you gave Joyce and Brianne. Bravo, for giving Brianne every chance to be with Joyce to the end.
Linda Wangen
January 18, 2008
Brianne.Our hearts are heavy with saddness for the loss of your mom .She loved you and life very much.She put up a courageous battle for your sake and for the rest of us .Thru her pain and discomfort.Your mom knew she needed to be strong for Brianne. Your mom loved you without any question. and provided without hesitation the warmth and saftey you so deserve. We will admire her courage, and smile for the rest of our lifetime .She was a fighter to the end of her life.
Linda and Gary Wangen
January 18, 2008
Joyce had a short lived purpose that will go on forever. She permanently affected all who loved her positively with courage and refusal to give up on life with Brianne. We are all blessed by knowing Joyce and for being a part of our lives. Brianne, your mom was very special and she lives in all of our hearts.
Jeanne B
January 18, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Brianne and her family at the loss of her mother Joyce. She truely was a special person who touched many lives with her kindness. She will be missed! May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Joyce and Brianne preparing for Jamie and Shaun's wedding
Jamie and Shaun Wangen Reed
January 17, 2008
I have been blessed to have Joyce apart of my family for as long as I can remember. There are so many memories to share. Most recently her presence at my wedding. She has been the most optimist person I have known. Her love and devotion to Brianne is unconditional. It is undeniable how much she will be missed.
Gloria Singh
January 17, 2008
Dear Brianne and Family,
I have always considered it a privilege to have had you, Brianne, as a student, and to have had the opportunity to get to know your mom and family.
Brianne, you were the shining star of your mother's life, as was always evident in how she spoke of you. From the moment I first met Joyce--at your first grade open house (along with your entourage!)--it was obvious that she delighted in all things "Brianne!" When I showed her your papers at school she was always beaming with pride and couldn't wait to hear more.
I remember how excited your mom was to put on your circus birthday party. Although your mom had many challenges, there was always a side of her that was so young at heart--especially evident as the "circus" was coming to town! She talked about it long before the big event happened. When it finally came, I remember her watching my daughter pick a prize from this big table laden with goodies, and you could just see she enjoyed bringing joy to others.
Brianne, your mom was also so generous with her time. She was very eager to work in my classroom, long past your year as a little first grader! No matter what kind of day she was having, she always had a smile for my students, and they loved working with her. Your mom loved to talk, and sometimes we would be gabbing so much that she would suddenly go, "Oh! My ride! I've gotta go!I should have been out there 15 minutes ago!"
Your mom was so courageous in her fight against cancer, and I know the driving force behind that was you. Her love for you was deep and endless. I have absolutely no doubt that your mom will always be watching over you and loving you.
To the rest of the Bury family, my deepest sympathies. May good memories of Joyce blanket you in warmth and comfort in the weeks ahead.God Bless.
Sincerely,
Gloria Singh
Stephanie Knapp
January 16, 2008
Im so sorry to hear of such a sad loss, but know of how much her family loved her and how they will always look after Brianne and constantly remind her how special her mother was.
Kristy Barbour
January 16, 2008
I think Joyce was the spunkiest person that I've known. She touched my heart and will forever have a place in my memories. People who have had the privilege knowing her know that they were in the company of someone special.
To Brianne, your mother loved you so dearly and fought so hard to stay with you as long as she could. I hope that you will find comfort in the knowledge that your mother was a beautiful, courageous, kind, and unselfish person who loved you above all others. Your Mom will be greatly missed.
Sandra Bacon Haag
January 16, 2008
Our Sincere Condolences to all of Joyce's family. We are sorry that we can not be there to celebrate her life with you.
She put up a brave fight to live as long as she could. She is no longer suffering, but smiling above in the Lord's Grace.
Kathy & Jerry for all the Giving of your time, Love, Hope and Caring to her and Brianne, was quite the "gift" to them. More than any of us know or realize.
Brianne, your family loves you very much and will be there in the days to come.
Love & Hugs,
Sandy & Jack
Marguerite Ann Gunter
January 16, 2008
Joyce, Brianne, Mom and Dad at Sanibel Island
Shawn Dowling
January 16, 2008
Joyce,
You have touched the lives of many, and I am grateful that you have been a part of mine. It is rare to find someone who embraces life in the way you did. You have taught me so much, and I hope to continue learning from your life experiences! I love you dearly and will miss you greatly.
Love, Shawnee
Joyce near Pepin WI in October of 2006
January 16, 2008
Marguerite Ann Gunter
January 16, 2008
You have touched so many lives. You were an angel in disguise. You were always the kind of friend who would take the time to listen. I will cherish the memomets I had with you on the phone. You were a blessing in my life and everyone you touched, I have no idea how we got so lucky to be blessed with you, I will miss you>
Kitty Opatz
January 16, 2008
Joyce, our friendship was all too brief, but you will be with me spirtitually forever. You continue to give me hope and determination to live each day to the fullest extent possible. You will always be my role model for living through breast cancer. Thank you for gracing my life with compassion, kindness, & the willingness to share your story in support of other women.
Brianne, the depth of your mother's love for you ran deep. Later in life you will understand the magnitude of that love when you are a mom. She will continue to watch over you and send us your way to love and comfort you. Blessings and love!
Debi McCormack
January 16, 2008
How blessed are we, whose lives were touched by Joyce. She is a friend who picked up wherever and however long in between the interactions, without judgment. Joyce is in a better place now, walking streets of gold, healed of the pain of cancer. I met Joyce while at Norstan. We were pregnant at similar times and shared common goals with the wellbeing of our children. (I.e. nursing) I will remember the laughter we had during that time; with warmth in my heart. Brianne, your Mom is being celebrated for the wonderful lady she is! I miss her.
Rebecca Dahlberg
January 16, 2008
To the family of Joyce, please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
With prayers,
Rebecca & Justin Dahlberg
Robert Oberlander
January 16, 2008
Joyce was a very committed and caring person, who put herself in front of everyone else. She will be sorely missed. I am very proud to have known her and it was a privilege to have her as our Legion adjutant.
Brandi Bennett
January 16, 2008
Sorry for your loss Jamie and family. Brianne is fortunate to have a family such as yours by her side.
-Brandi
Gwen C
January 16, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss, may God be with your family at this time and always.
Dan Grube
January 16, 2008
Joyce will always be remembered for her smile, her naïveté, her generous heart, and the love which she shared with all of us who knew here. She will be greatly missed.
Carolyn Neumann
January 16, 2008
You touched so many of our lives forever in a positve way. I will always remember you and how it felt to be your 'big sister' <<>>
I will always cherish the time we had with you, although it was too short!!
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