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Jocelyn Towle Punches, 67, passed away due to complications from a heart attack Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Born in February 1945 in Illinois to Willard and Helen (Wagner) Towle, she was the oldest of five children. The family moved to California and Jocelyn attended Old Mission High School in San Luis Obispo. It was after her second year at college in Santa Clara, Calif., that she met her beloved husband, William Charles Punches, and the true adventure of a lifetime began. The inseparable "Joce" and "Punchy" raised their two children in Morgan Hill, Calif., where they built their first home. Years later, they began a new life chapter in Wilmington, N.C., where they built their dream home and enjoyed retirement travels in their family famous motorhome, "El Guapo." In all their travels, they delighted in exploring new places and making many new friends. All who knew Joce will miss her quick wit, her generosity, and the inevitable laughing. It would surprise no one if she showed up at the gates to heaven wearing her well-used red clown nose. Joce is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter, Christy Punches Resmondo (Ronnie, deceased); son, Richard (Lia); granddaughters Ann Marie and Charlotte; mother, Helen; and siblings Dr. Willard Martin Towle Jr., Richard Wagner Towle, Michael Joseph Towle Sr. and Melanie Towle Forbes. Services will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Willard and Janet Towle.
Joce, Still thinking of our fabulous times and talks. - miss you Big Time!
Pam Gremore
January 23, 2024
I only have just learned from Barbara Marre of Joce's passing. For those of you who missed our competition in Mission courses, she was the inspiration for me to push for top grades. Once, in our senior year, Sister Helena gave Pat Madden and I a bunch of envelopes to mail. Turns out these were our reports being sent to colleges of our final grades and there was an indication of level of placement in the class of 1963. Joce was first, Kit was second, and I was third.
I recall the many afternoons she and I spent waiting for our respective rides, her's to the south, mine to the north. During one of those afternoons, we discussed the afterlife and she confided in me that, when she passed, she would be reborn as a star. I swear, that is what she said. Sure enough, the evening I learned of her passing, I saw a new star and knew she had fulfilled her promise to herself and to me.
I had the pleasure of visiting her Morgan Hill home and meeting her beloved. We failed to meet up when I was in NC attending a training session at Duke, but I never anticipated her untimely passing. Joce, you are unequal in your genius and wit. There is no such thing as a replacement for you: You are unique. With love to her family and friends, from this Mission graduate of 1963.
Mary Elizabeth Pulling Selandia
September 21, 2013
To the Punches and Towle families: my heart grieves that Joce passed way to soon. I have been going to try to reconnect with her the last few years but life always seemed to get in the way. I have so many memories of looking forward to her summer visits to Joliet and my trip to visit Jocelyn and Bill in Shell Beach with my grandmother whom they fondly called "Auntie". May peace be with you all and your funny and loving memories comfort you. Cousin, Jeanne Weber Lincoln
Jeanne Weber Lincoln
July 14, 2013
Willard Towle
June 9, 2013
Willard Towle
June 9, 2013
I dreamt about you last night, Joce, - we had lunch and a nice visit in a pretty town and there was an antique pickup truck involved (???). My heart aches for your family who must miss you so much. --Sharan (an old Mission school friend)
June 8, 2013
June 7, 2013
June 7, 2013
Willard Towle
June 3, 2013
June 3, 2013
June 3, 2013
my life has truly been blessed with the LOVE of a beautiful sweet joce...
your unconditional LOVE lives on thru those you touched....thank you for the love & laughter and the sweetest friendship ever!
much love to the punches family...
mary mullen
March 30, 2013
Dear Towle Family, I just learned of the stunning passing of sweet Jocelyn. I am so sorry for you and your family. Tom and I are praying for you and yours. Please know that we loved her and all of your family. Please hold on especially to your mom for us. You will all get comfort from each other. Most Sincerely, Tom and Joy Janowicz Parker
January 31, 2013
Dear Joce's family. . . . I have never met anyone quiet like Jocelyn. When I arrived at Wiltron/Anritsu she was always ready to have fun, bring the fun, create the fun, be the fun, in each and every day. We never knew what she would do next! She brought sunshine and laughter where ever she went. She was God's special Angel to people who are too serious for their own good - I am sure she is now God's "go to" angel for "FUN" in heaven!!!
Jeanette Miskimon
January 31, 2013
Bill,
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Joce was a good and fun friend during those years of apartment living when your Richard and our Brett were babies. I remember birthday parties with kids in high chairs and trick-or-treating with kids in infant seats. Joce was always planning something fun. We pray for God's comfort for you and your family.
Doug and Pam Carroll
January 22, 2013
Our deepest sympathies. Cousin Jocelyn brought Bells of Ireland for Dad and Joan' wake. She really is the spitting image of Grandma and a firecracker of a wit. She always had words of comfort and joy for my little family every time I spoke with her. All of our love goes out to you.
Christine Griswold
January 16, 2013
Bill, Richard and family, and Christy,
There are no words to use to console a family when such a great loss is experienced, but it is comforting to remember the wonderful life you had with her. I will always remember fondly her friendly and warm persona. I am truly sorry for your loss and may your faith give you all.
some solace.
Maria Schalk
January 16, 2013
For more than thirty years Jocelyn was the loving sister I never had. We laughed together, cried together, made plans together, shared hopes and dreams, and often got into much mischief (anyone say shopping?). We promised each other that together we would rock on the porch of the retirement home. The last message she sent was to ask for prayer and to say she loved me. I know I will see her again in Glory, but meantime, I will miss her more than I can ever say. She gave so much of herself to everyone she touched; and, we are all blessed and so very much richer for time spent with our Joce.
Bill, Richard and Christy, please know Terry and I are with you in prayer and are crying with you. We love you – please let us help you in any way possible.
Pam Gremore
January 14, 2013
She was such a wonderful person. We'll have lots of warm, loving memories to remember her by.
January 13, 2013
Mom Punches, when Ann Marie and I joined the family, you welcomed us with open arms. I often found myself telling people, "My mother-in-law is the greatest. I'm so lucky." I'll miss you.
Lia Punches
January 12, 2013
Bill and family,
We are so sorry of Joce's passing, She was one great Lady with the greatest sense of humor. Our prayers are with you and hope to see you on your next visit to the Central Coast.
Led/Anne Fortini
January 10, 2013
Love and laughter.....you will be missed!!
Carole M Bradley
January 10, 2013
I'm so, so sorry to hear of Jocelyn's passing away.
I'm a friend of her Mother Helen.
I was able to visit her last month where she is now living in Cerritos, Ca. My heart goes out to all of Jocelyn's family. May our dear Lord give you comfort knowing that she is with Him now.
Love, Millie
Millie Augello
January 10, 2013
Joce was such a loving, positive person. My prayers go out to Bill, Christy, and Richard. There is a new angel in heaven. God Bless
Bonnie & Bill Rhodes, Roseville,Ca.
January 9, 2013
Hi, I went to school with Jocelyn at Old Mission and remember her well. She had a sparkle in her eyes and a great laugh. Funny, I remember being in her home and they had a tiny tiny screened television that was rarely watched. Those were the days! My prayers are with Jocelyn's family for comfort and healing.
Shirley (Pimentel) Payne
January 9, 2013
I palled around with Joce (and Kit) in High School - it was always fun - and I remember her parents and sibs. So sorry to hear of her leaving us so prematurely...my sympathy and prayers go to all her family.
Sharan Nolan Harrison
January 9, 2013
So sorry to hear of Jocelyn's passing. She was a High School classmate of mine and we shared many good times. Great memories. Prayers to you all.
Louise Rodriguez-Claassen
January 9, 2013
Joce was a wonderful gal and so upbeat. I have brought many people to laughter with a story she told on herself after experiencing her first hurricane back in Wilmington. Makes me smile even now. My sincere condolences to Bill, Richard, Christy and all the Punches and Towles.
Toni Eiselt
January 9, 2013
Bill, Kathy and I were greatly saddened to hear of Jocelyn's death. I know that your family and friends share your grief. We send our heartfelt sympathy.
Travis Wilson
January 8, 2013
I have many good memories of her and her stories back in the Wiltron days. My prayers go out to the family.
Kathy Clasen
January 8, 2013
What I remember about Joce was that she was always up to something... Always something fun. I'll never forget how she recruited me for a Wiltron talent show to perform an Andrews Sisters routine with her & Pam. I'm not sure how she talked me into it, but we had a blast and we won first place! Joce was a joy to be around and although I haven't seen her in years I still can see that warm and happy face. She impacted many lives and I am thankful to have known her. I am truly sorry for your family's loss.
Cyndi Mann
January 8, 2013
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Jocelyn. She was one great lady. I knew her in high school, but haven't seen her since she and Bill lived in Morgan Hill. My sympathy to both the Towle and Punches families.
Richard Hoerntlein
January 8, 2013
Joce will be missed. She was a good friend from her days at Wiltron. Always with a great story about her kids and travel. The Punches family has touched my family throughout the years. My sincere condolences to Bill, Richard and Christy.
Phil Bowers
January 8, 2013
Jocelyn was one of my very best friend in school....she always made me laugh, she was such a joy to have as a friend...we have not spoke in a number of years but I thought of her often. Bill, I'm so sorry for your loss, love and hugs to you, Karen Hansen (Reher)
January 8, 2013
Jocelyn was one of my very best friends in school....I had not spoke or seen her in a number of years, but I thought about her often. After 2 yrs of college, we took a break and Jose, Louise and myself had the time of our lives..times that are wonderful memories now and I thank God that she was part of my life. Bill, I am so sorry for your loss, love and hugs to you, Karen Hansen (Reher)
January 8, 2013
Joce was so full of life that it is almost impossible to believe she is gone. She never met a stranger and was always able to strike up a conversation with anyone she met. Joce was one of a kind. She will be truly missed. Our prayers go out to Bill and her family.
Ronnie & Elizabeth Ross
January 8, 2013
It's been almost 20 years, but Joce's support through a very dark period of my life will never be forgotten.
Shelly
January 8, 2013
Joce was a wonderful and caring friend to everyone she met. What a joy she was to be with.
Gary & Jennie Galloway
January 8, 2013
Joce was a wonderful and caring friend to everyone she met. What a joy she was to be with.
Gary & Jennie Galloway
January 8, 2013
Our sincere condolences to Bill & Family for the loss of Joce. We feel like the Punches are part of the family here at Howard RV Center and she will be sorely missed.
John F. Howard Jr.
January 8, 2013
Mrs. P was an amazing person. Quick with a joke and always up for a good adventure. She was a constant fixture in my life since I was 12 years old and will be sorely missed. "We love you Mrs. P"!
Sarah Vogt
January 8, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person...you will be missed, Thanks for all the great memories
Glenn & Dawn Trail
January 8, 2013
I will always remember Joce. Her sense of humour and love of life. She left us too soon.
Margaret Harding
January 8, 2013
Joce, I have loved you from the day we met at the "I" to the last day I squeezed your hand. Your loving husband, Bill
January 8, 2013
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