Joyce Lavada Lyski

1939 - 2016

March 10, 1939 - June 1, 2016 Joyce Lavada Lyski, beloved wife, mother and sister, passed away on June 1, 2016 at Whidbey General Hospital after a lengthy struggle with heart disease. She was surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born March 10, 1939 to Charles and Christine Clark in Nashville, Tenn. She spent part of her childhood in the South before moving to the Seattle area. She enjoyed riding horses, swimming, working at Chris' Bakery and taking care of her four little brothers. After graduating from Foster High School, where she was elected the first female ASB President, she married her high school sweetheart, Dale Lyski. She worked for Boeing until 1962 when Dale Jr. was born, followed by daughter, Lori in 1964. She loved being a mother and spent many years volunteering at school, church and in the community. She was a woman of deep faith and served on various local, district and conference boards for the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the South Whidbey School Board and spent countless hours as president and treasurer of the PTA. She believed in social justice and felt it was an honor to represent her church in New York and Washington DC in 1967 at seminars on Vietnam and UN Peacemaking. She is remembered as an amazing cook, hostess and friend. Her philosophy was that there is "always room for one more at the table." Her house was the gathering place for holidays, birthdays and special occasions where everyone was welcome. She loved to travel and took each of the five grandchildren on an incredible European adventure. She and Dale traveled the globe and loved each country they visited but often commented that New Zealand may be the most beautiful place. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dale Lyski; children: Dale Lyski Jr. (Marsha), Lori Kloes (Daren); grandchildren: Ashley Lyski, Ryan Lyski, Katie Kloes, Kenni Kloes, Cami Kloes; brothers: Chuck Clark, Jim Clark (Juli) and Steve Clark; and many wonderful nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Don. The family extends sincere thanks to the Critical Care staff at Whidbey General Hospital for their compassionate, thoughtful care of Joyce. They are an outstanding team of caregivers. A celebration of Joyce's life will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Langley. Remembrances can be made to the Endowment Fund at the Langley United Methodist Church.