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Joyce Munson Obituary
At her request, there will not be a memorial service; however, friends are invited to join her family to celebrate her life from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at her home.
Joyce was born Dec. 13, 1930, to Delbert Arnold and Ada Shuldberg in Guthrie, Okla. In 1952, Joyce drove the Alaska Highway and spent the rest of her life exploring the paths of Alaska life with adventure and humor. Over the course of her life and especially in the last few days, countless people expressed how she influenced their lives.
Joyce had many roles in our community. She was a troop leader for Brownies, Cub Scouts and active in the PTA; she organized vaudeville shows at Abbott Loop School and worked at Inlet View School. In 1971, Joyce switched careers and became the executive director of the Alaska Mental Health Association. From 1978 to 1980, Joyce was a legislator in the House of Representatives. After leaving the Legislature, she held roles as the deputy director of the Resource Development Council of Alaska, as a public relations and governmental affairs consultant and as director of the Division of Pioneers Benefits.
Her retirement found her busier than ever. She continued her painting and sculpting and she was a prolific gardener, creating her own oasis. She ran a bed-and-breakfast for many years introducing Alaska to visitors from around the world. Joyce created a pottery studio and was active in the Clay Arts Guild.
Joyce is survived by her children, Steven and Gail Munson, Kathy and James Manna, Janie Odgers and Robert and Lisa Munson; grandchildren, Sarah Munson, Nathaniel Munson, Sandi Manna, Julie Hummell, Rachael Padilla, Estevan Padilla, and their families; sister-in-law, Roberta Arnold-Spartz; and countless friends.
Her family and friends will have unlimited stories and memories to remember and share of her building a swimming pool or opening a pottery studio, hosting her many Christmas parties or chatting and sharing a cup of coffee with friends and family at her house.
Memorial donations may be sent to Providence Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Munson
Catherine Arnold
July 23, 2010
Janie, Robert and Kathy: It has been a great honor to know your Mom. As others have noted - the wonderful Christmas eve parties and everyone singing carols, piles and piles of xmas gifts - one thing that I used to look at as a little girl was those decorations on the windows - they were so cool. Many, many other things come to mind when I think of Joyce: her immense energy and infectious laugh. I am saddened greatly; my condolences to your family.
Tess Padmore
July 22, 2010
I was Deputy Director of Pioneers' Benefits when Joyce was the Director. I'm currently writing my memoirs and working on the chapter of the years I spent in Alaska. This week I wrote the section about working with Joyce and found out about her passing the next day. I learned so much about politics from her and will always appreciate that. She was a great lady. I also know about the swimming pool!
Sandi Manna
July 8, 2010
My Gram is a person who I thought would be around forever! I am so grateful for all the times she spent with me. She was so generous to open up her home to me as a troubled teen and I valued her great advice and wisdom. She was often found making coffee and lunches for her many visitors and spent many an afternoon talking in the living room. When she visited she always had the energy to plant a few more flowers for me to enjoy. I will always remember her smile, her laugh and her zest for life. I am so glad to have been a part of it. Gram was loved by so many and will be missed so much!
Kim Mafileo (Willis)
July 6, 2010
Sarah and Nathaniel,
I'm sorry to hear about your Grandmother passing. In high school, I remember going to her house with Sarah and hearing about her passion of pottery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kim Mafileo (Willis)
Mary Weiss
July 5, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Joyce's passing. She was to me one of the great Alaskan leaders who guided this state. In 1978 a friend (Erica McGuire) introduced me to Joyce. Joyce was so full of hope, joy, belief in others, in the special character of Alaska,the importance of healthy communities and supportive families. I do remember visiting her at Christmas to see a wall (floor to ceiling!)of Christmas gifts! Since 1978 I have thought of her often and will never forget her.
July 4, 2010
Janie,
This is another note from a great fan of your Mom. Our world is diminished without her. It becomes incumbent on all of us who knew and appreciate her to do our bits to enhance our world and the lives around us by sharing our gifts as she did. Heartfelt hugs to you as you and your family manage your way through this difficult time.
KC Lowe
Sally Smith
July 3, 2010
It was a joy to serve with Joyce in the legislature. Her sense of humor lightened intense times and enhanced all times. The smile that lit up her eyes will always be in my memory. My thoughts are with all who knew and loved her.
Vickie McCubbin
July 2, 2010
Kathy,
I was so saddened to read of the loss of your mom. She was such a special lady who was always doing something great with kids. My thoughts are with you at this time. Vickie (Redden)
Linda Swarner
July 2, 2010
Janie,
So sorry about your Mother's death. Peace be with you during this time.
J. Ditto
July 1, 2010
Thank you Joyce, for sharing your pottery tips & tricks, especially about "elbows" - the basis of all pottery centering on the wheel. Your presence will be greatly missed among the Anchorage potters who know you.
Ruth Tadda
July 1, 2010
Hello Janie, It's been awhile, so you may or may not remember me, but I have often thought about your mom over the years as she was my Brownie Leader waaaaay back when (1963/4). And was she ever the Best! I'll never forget all the fun we had at those meetings, especially on Halloween when she'd dressed up in costume to trick & treat us with her homemade goodies. And then there were the day camps at Russian Jack Springs park. I still have those recipes she taught us. Peace and Sympathy to you and the rest of the family.
Ruth Tadda
P.J. Gialopsos
July 1, 2010
There isn't enough space or enough words to share what impact your Mom had on the lives who passed through her door, on those who slept under her roof, enjoyed the yard or marveled at her ability to change anything in her life from upholstery to local and state affairs. Being included in the famous Christmas Eve gatherings inspired me to start my own years ago. Having a "home" to bring my new babies to was priceless....laughing until midnight, even more.
She was one of a kind.
P.J. and Family
Kim Bowdish
July 1, 2010
Dear Janie, Steven,Gail Robert,Kathy,Sarah and Nathaniel and All; I had many years of JOY in your mom's pottery studio with her. We would sit up in the house talking Politics and solving the WORLDS problems while having "coffee breaks" . We were all so envious of her energy and her spunk!! Also had some laughs about her constant use of white paint and how quickly she could repaint her rooms. I will cherish my time at her house and studio and my children will remember her and her "never ending" dish of peanut M&M's.
HUGS to you all, Kim Bowdish,Greg Bowdish,Shelby Bowdish-Marcum & Jessica Bowdish
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