Coleen Joyce Jasinski

Coleen Joyce Jasinski of El Campo, TX passed away on May 15, 2025. Lovingly known by family members and friends as Joyce, Joy, or Meme. She was born Coleen Joyce Duncan in Dalton, Nebraska to her parents Daniel Duncan and Mabel Hoss. She was born at home on February 18, 1931, during a snowstorm; however, each year on her birthday she would kindly remind her family that she was actually born on the 17th. Because of the snowstorm the doctor was not able to get back to town to record her birth until the 18th. Growing up in Nebraska she attended an all-girls Catholic School. After high school, while working as a waitress in a café in Sidney, Nebraska she met the first love of her life Henry Nielsen. The story goes; while working as a seismographer in Sidney, Henry went into the café to have lunch. Joyce spilled coffee on his lap and the rest is history. They were married December 19, 1948. Soon after getting married, they moved to Danevang, TX where Herny took over his family farm. Together Joyce and Henry had three wonderful children. Henry and Joyce were married for 25 years before Henry's passing in 1974. When her children were old enough to care for themselves, Joyce went back to school to obtain her nursing degree. She became an LVN and worked at Nightingale hospital in El Campo, TX. Joyce spoke of her career as a nurse often and was very proud of what she accomplished and the people she was able to help. One accomplishment she often spoke of was how she helped transfer the first patient from Nightingale hospital to the new El Campo Memorial Hospital in March of 1979. It was at Nightingale hospital where her daughter, Lisa, also an LVN, introduced her to her second husband Edward Jasinski. "Eddie" and Joyce married on May 31, 1980. They spent 34 wonderful years together until his passing in 2014.
In retirement Joyce spent time with family and friends, bringing her great happiness. She was always ready to welcome company. Family and friends passing by the house or through town could always expect to be greeted with a glass of tea, cup of coffee and a Danish pastry which she learned to make from her family in Danevang. A Wienerbrød, Danish spritz cookie, Frikadeller dinner and much more, were recipes she knew by heart and always had ready to pull out of the freezer on a moments notice. Preparing meals and bringing baked goods to others was Joyce's way of showing her love and appreciation. Joyce enjoyed hosting and attending gatherings with friends and family for bridge, 42, and bingo. She was an avid golfer and played regular weekly rounds until she was in her 80's. She had a green thumb and loved working in her yard, taking care of her roses and fruit trees, which she used to make her pastries. Joyce loved her family. Though many of them lived outside of Texas she and Eddie made many road trips around the country to visit them. She loved getting phone calls and birthday cards from her family outside of Texas. She never forgot a birthday and made a point to send a card, make a phone call, and prepare a cake for anyone she could. She was a proud grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed getting to babysit, watch them play baseball, softball, soccer and spend time with them while watching "her" Astros and Texans. Joyce will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her fierce desire for independence, her faithfulness, the care and compassion she showed others, and the support and encouragement she gave to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Joyce is survived by her son's Timothy Nielsen and wife Mary, David Nielsen and wife Sylvia, Son-in-law Bill Englund, Grandchildren Brian Nielsen, Lindsay Hajovsky and husband Greg, Todd Nielsen and wife Tiffany, Lance Nielsen and wife Karrah, and Kimberly Kainer and husband Brent. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Braxton, and Bailey Hajovsky, Finleigh Nielsen, Henry and Ellis Kainer among numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry Nielsen and Edward Jasinski. Daughter Lisa Englund, her two half-sisters, and one brother.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 at Triska Funeral Home with a CDA Rosary recited at 6 p.m. The funeral Mass will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with the Rev. Collins Yaw Twum officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Brian Nielsen, Brent Kainer, Jimmy Kainer, Greg Hajovsky, Jim Harton and Terry Brandl.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, Houston Hospice – El Campo, or donor's choice.