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Joyce Kinunen Obituary

Passed away peacefully at home in Santa Rosa, California, on December 3, 2010, surrounded by family. A woman of varied talents and a deep commitment to family and friends, Joyce maintained her unique brand of humor, a zest for clever expression and an abiding interest in family and friends, even as she struggled through illness in later years. Born to Louis Forrest Cary and Frances (Ervin) Cary in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1929, and a graduate of Carleton College, Joyce spent her early professional life as a journalist in Minnesota and in San Francisco. In 1959, she married Helmer Kinunen, who would be her life partner for 51 years. Together, they raised two sons and began retail businesses in Walnut Creek, San Francisco and, most recently, they were the proprietors of the Deck The Walls franchise in Santa Rosa Plaza from 1984 to 1994. Joyce's vivacious spirit, her indomitable wit, her bent for the literary and historical, and the intense interest she held in the activities of family and friends are the ways she has left her enchanting mark on our lives. She is survived by her loving husband, Helmer (Santa Rosa); sons Paul (Occidental) and Eric (Sacramento); daughter-in-law Sheila Denton (Occidental); grandsons Morgan and Samuel; and numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Mary Cary Teague and Nell Cary Sather. A celebration of Joyce's life will be held on December 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Woods Conference Center, 6510 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, CA. The family suggests that memorial gifts be directed to Memorial Hospice of Santa Rosa or the Joyce Cary Kinunen Memorial Fund at Westminster Woods.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2010.

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Donny & Kim Young

December 13, 2010

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

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