Joyce Marie Brune

July 28, 1928 - June 28, 2016

Ocean Springs

Joyce Marie Brune, 87, passed away June 28, 2016 in Naples, FL. A Memorial Mass for friends and family will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, her cherished church of more than 40 years, on Saturday August 20th at 11am.

Joyce Marie Gradenigo was born July 28, 1928 in New Orleans. A proud graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy, she enjoyed a successful career as a Commercial Artist for the Daily Advertiser in Lafayette, and then as an Interior Decorator in Baton Rouge and in the city she loved most, Ocean Springs.

Joyce married August "Gus" Brune on October 2, 1948 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in the heart of NOLA's Mid City. They were married an amazing 67 years - and shared a six year courtship prior! "We had sixty seven years of togetherness," said Gus, "of waking up together and planning the day together."

Joyce loved nothing more than large gatherings with their ever-growing family and their many friends. She was passionate about St. Alphonsus Parish, her beloved Hibernia Society, her New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers and Atlanta Braves. Joyce had a heart to serve and volunteered in many capacities for local youth sports organizations, Notre Dame and Mercy Cross High Schools, and the Diocese of Biloxi Catholic Charities. She delivered meals to those in need, worked with AIDS patients, visited the elderly in nursing homes, and so much more.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, August, daughters Pam Biddix (Gary) of Ocean Springs, janet Brune of Naples, FL, son Kevin Brune (Diana) of Orlando, FL, and daughter-in-law Kathy Brune of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren: Corey Brune (Cheryl) of Allen, TX, Jeanne Woods-Dennis of Justin, TX (Mike), Michael Pasvantis (Linda) of Ocean Springs, Christopher Brune of Baton Rouge, and Nick Brune of San Diego (Emily); twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Her son, Michael Brune of Baton Rouge, preceded Joyce in death. She also left our world with many, many beloved extended family members and friends who dearly miss her and her vibrant love.

Following the Mass in the church she loved, her family will host a Celebration of Joyce's Life at St. Alphonsus Parish Hall. As Joyce would say, "Stop by and say 'hi' if you can, Dawlins -- the more the merrier!"