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1930 ~ 2013
Salt Lake City, Utah-Joyce Sorensen Graham, our loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away on May 25, 2013. Nearly forty years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer. The radiation therapy eliminated the cancer, but left her with challenging health problems. In spite of the problems, she persevered and remained positive and active. Joyce was born on July 16, 1930 in Salina, Utah to Nels A. and Gladys Christensen Sorensen. The family home was in Mayfield, Utah where her father was a farmer and rancher. Joyce learned the value of hard work by helping with the farm work and chickens. At an early age, music became one of Joyce's passions. She worked hard to develop her piano skills, practicing hours a day. The first eight years of Joyce's schooling were in Mayfield, followed by high school in Manti. She was an excellent student, was involved in many school activities and was selected as Prom Mistress. Her principal wrote, "Dear, pleasant, agreeable, capable, lovely, Joyce. How nice to have had you in our school." In 1948, she enrolled at Snow College where she was the pianist for many musical performances. A popular student, she was voted "Personality Plus." There she met her future husband and love of her life, Robert Graham. Upon the completion of Robert's LDS mission and Joyce's graduation from BYU, the two were married in the Manti Temple on April 17, 1953. Four months after their marriage, Robert was drafted into the Army. Joyce remained in Provo to teach school. After a separation of nine months, they were reunited in Washington where Robert was stationed at Ft. Lewis. Following Army service, they returned to Utah for several years. During this time, Joyce again taught school while Robert furthered his education. In 1960, the family moved to the San Francisco area for ten years where they developed many lasting friendships. Joyce used her musical talents to teach piano lessons to a number of students. In 1970, the family returned to Utah in order to be closer to their extended families. Since returning, Joyce played in tennis and bowling leagues, both of which she enjoyed very much. A wonderful seamstress, she loved to sew for her daughters and grandchildren. She also liked to spend time creating beautiful craft items for her home, particularly holiday decorations. Throughout her life, Joyce was a faithful member of the LDS Church. She served in stake and ward Relief Society presidencies, Junior Sunday School and as stake and ward organist and pianist. She also volunteered in the community, particularly enjoying her work with Utah Youth Village. Joyce loved to travel with her beloved husband, Robert. Together they sailed on 21 cruises to many parts of the world. Her favorite and most meaningful cruise was their trip to the Holy Land. Her greatest satisfaction, joy and success in life came from spending time with her family. How she loved to prepare Sunday dinners, plan fun holiday events, and play games with them. She enthusiastically attended her daughters' and grandchildren's activities as their biggest fan. She established family traditions that will be carried on for generations to come. The motto which she chose for her family was "Return with Honor." Her legacy will be the example she has left behind as she, herself, has certainly returned with honor. Joyce is survived by her husband, Robert; her daughters: Teri (David) Ferney; Diane (Paul) Smith; and Carolyn (Robert) Buma; her sisters: Thelma Mellor and Glenna (Glade) Peterson. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Neil. Her funeral service will be June 1, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the Olympus Cove church - 3832 Oakview Drive. Visitation with the family will be at the church on Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30 and on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 at the church. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers and medical personnel who have helped Joyce with her health challenges throughout the years. They are particularly appreciative of the expert care she received through the University of Utah Healthcare system. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Utah Youth Village or the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
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Dear Bob and Carolyn,
Our thoughts are with your family at this time for your loss. Bob, your life together with Joyce inspires us to be grateful and appreciative of every moment together with our loved ones. We are sending our deepest sympathies.
The Marrouches
Nassir Marrouche
June 5, 2013
Carolyn and Bob, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember fondly you talking about your mother and her impact on your life. She lives on in you and your beautiful children. We pray you will be comforted knowing that's she's busy playing beautiful music in heaven for people who have always adored her.
Carine & Bryan Clark
June 1, 2013
Dear Bob and Family,
The Funeral service today for Joyce was very beautiful and spiritual, befitting a very beautiful and spiritual grand lady. She touched every life, including ours, for good.
With love and respect, Virginia and Rees Jensen
June 1, 2013
Bob,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Joyce,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this tender time.
Warmest Regards,
Blaine and Michelle Anderson
June 1, 2013
Dear Graham Family - our deepest sympathy to all of you. Joyce was an incredible woman and wonderful example to all she came in contact with. Our prayers are with you, Love, Glenn and Diane Buma Family
Glenn Buma
May 31, 2013
Dear Bob and family, So extremely sorry to read of the passing of your beloved wife and mother and grandmother. I feel so grateful that my father Harold and my siblings were able to picnic with your family and exchange the love of family. I am comforted by the plan of salvation which will bring loved ones together in the end. May God be with each of you. Much love Carol Lee Wise Fornelius
Carol Fornelius
May 31, 2013
Dear Bob and members of the Family:
I am sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. It's difficult when our mothers are no longer with us, but
their life lessons and your memories of her will go on forever.
With my sincere condolances.
Jyl Shuler
May 31, 2013
Diane and family
We are sorry for your loss. Your sweet mom was such a wonderful person and my daughter considers her her grandma. We love your sweet family.
The Snells
May 30, 2013
Bob, Carolyn, and all of the Graham and Buma families, I'm so sorry for your loss. Working closely with Carolyn, I can see what a great mother Joyce was as she raised a great daughter. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. - Lindsay and Adam Nelson
Lindsay Nelson
May 30, 2013
Bless you Dear Bob and Graham Family.
RIP Sister Graham.
Love,
Darol and Loree Wagstaff
May 30, 2013
Carolyn,
Thinking of you and your family at this time - now I know why you are so special because you had such a wonderful, loving mother. Blessings, Nancy Furlong
Nancy Furlong
May 30, 2013
Bob and Family: Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers for comfort at Joyce's passing. Bob, you know that I hold you in the highest esteem and have the greatest rsepct for you as a partner, professionl and friend. I pray and hope for you to have the enduring comfort of the knowledge that we share about a future reunion and, in the meantime, the sustenance of the memories of a long and wonderful relationship with your cherished wife. Best wishes.
Doug Matsumori
May 30, 2013
Dear Graham Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother, Joyce. What a beautiful elect lady and daughter of god she was as she faced her many struggles. Her strength and spirituality is an example to us all. I have enjoyed my association with your family and your many kindnesses. You have been beautiful example of kindness and compassion as you have cared for Joyce over the many years. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this difficult time.
Cyndee Merrill
May 30, 2013
Bob and Family:
Although I did not know Joyce personally (having only met her a few times), she was a marvelous woman who will be greatly missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Angie Fleck
May 30, 2013
Dear cousin Robert,
My love and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Joyce has been a valiant soldier in this long battle for her life. I am grateful to have known her, and believe she is now rejoicing.
Aleene LeBaron
May 30, 2013
Bob,
May the Lord bless and comfort you at this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and example.
Charlie Hall
May 30, 2013
Dear Family, Larry and I are so sad to learn of Joyce's passing; we are grateful she is free of her mortal body and pain. She had a lot of physical and spiritual strength and spunk which must run in her family as evidenced also by her sisters, Thelma and Glenna. May you find peace in knowing that families are eternal. - Larry and Mary Mellor
May 30, 2013
Bob and Carolyn you have our deepest sympathy with the loss of your wife and mother. Grant and Maryann
Grant Buma
May 29, 2013
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