Carol J. Joyce

Carol J. Joyce, 89, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, December 27, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late William F. Joyce, with whom she shared sixty wonderful years of marriage.
Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, Carol was the daughter of the late Wallace and Helen (Clements) Sabean. The youngest of four daughters, she grew up in the Adams Shore section of Quincy, where her lifelong love of the water began. The ocean -and especially sailing-held a special place in her heart, and that passion followed her throughout her life.
After graduating from Quincy High School and Fisher Junior College, Carol worked in Boston's Financial District before later spending many years at Macy's Department Store in the South Shore Plaza. Carol and Bill made their home in Weymouth, where they raised their children and were active members of Old South Union Church. Carol was known by all who loved her as happy, patient, loving, steady and kind yet a fiercely competitive game player, and always ready for the next adventure. She loved to travel, and dance, and was famous for hosting lively house parties filled with laughter and great food. A voracious reader and gardener, Carol found joy both in quiet moments with a good book or making beautiful flower arrangements. Even in retirement, she embraced new interests, including playing pool, taking long walks along the ocean, and staying active at the Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester.
After retiring to Middleboro and later Plymouth, Carol eventually moved to Gloucester to be closer to family. She continued to follow her love of sailing, volunteering as a crew member on a sailboat out of Camden, Maine, and enjoying time on the water in Gloucester Harbor.
Family was everything to Carol, and she took special pride and joy in her grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Her loss is felt like a star in the night sky winking out; darker in its absence, but our lives are all the brighter for having flourished in her light.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Christine Clark, and her husband William, of Gloucester; her grandchildren, Riley, Emily, and Zachary; her sister-in-law, Marylou Joyce; her brother-in-law, John Foster; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was predeceased by her son, Stephen; her sisters, Claire, Ruth, and Phyllis; and her sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Robert Abate.
In keeping with Carol's wishes, services will be held privately.