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BORN
1929
DIED
2012
Benjamin Joyce Obituary
Virginia Beach - Benjamin Joyce and Patricia Joyce April 23, 1929 - April 13, 2012, began and ended their lives together. Benjamin Edward was born in Seattle, WA, and Patricia Elaine Gilmour in Syracuse, NY. They met in New York City and were married in 1950.
Ben, son of Benjamin W. Joyce and Vera L. Stahl Joyce graduated from Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in 1950, and after 12 years with Moore McCormick Lines joined the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1960's.
Pat, daughter of Edward D. Gilmour and Genevieve M. Rubado Gilmour, graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in 1949, and worked as a Registered Nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC. After numerous Coast Guard duty stations, Ben retired as a Captain and they settled in Virginia Beach. They were long standing active members of Old Donation Episcopal Church, involved in numerous ministries and outreach for the past 28 years.
They are survived by their four children, Benjamin C. Joyce IV, Deborah Joyce McKeon and her husband The Rev. Ronald McKeon, Steven G. Joyce, and Elizabeth (Ann) Joyce Butler and her husband George Butler; and also their siblings, Patricia Joyce Quast, Michael Gilmour and his wife Paula, and Pat's sister Suzanne Gilmour Young; 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Their memorial service will be held at Old Donation Episcopal Church, 4449 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, 23455, on Saturday, April 21, at 12 noon In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Old Donation Episcopal Church in memory of Ben & Pat Joyce to be contributed to their much loved outreach ministries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Joyce
pamela credle
April 22, 2012
There LOVE will always shine .
Danny Sullivan
April 21, 2012
My thoughts & prayers go out to Debbie and her husband during this time.
Cheryl (Muffet) Gracey
April 21, 2012
My heartfelt sympathies go to all those who knew and loved the Joyces. I was friends with Ben and Debby when our fathers were stationed together at the Coast Guard base on Governors Island, NY.
Barbara Schweiger
April 18, 2012
My family has been blessed to know Pat and Ben. We will forever remember them fondly, always together and always smiling.
April 18, 2012
Our love to Ann and George and the Joyce family. While our hearts are heavy in sorrow, we believe Ben and Pat are now together in Heaven. Love to all,
Sharon and Joe Kelman
John & Betty Mahon
April 18, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. You will be missed at Lynnhaven Beach.
Lester Pearsall, FTCS USCG (Ret)
April 18, 2012
"Eternal Father, Lord Of Hosts, watch over those who guard our coast, protect them from the raging seas and give them light and life and peace. Grant them Father from thy great throne above the Shield and Shelter of thy love."
April 18, 2012
I have fond memories of Ben and Pat. They were always together, always smiling and always helping others. What a joy! They will be sorely missed. I believe they have just moved their servant location to Heaven. Blessings to you all, Carol Horton
Michael H Jones
April 18, 2012
Words cannot express my condolences to the Joyce family. Old Donation has suffered a great loss. Prayers for all.
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