Joyce E. Anderson-Stites
Joyce E. Anderson-Stites
Obituary
Guest Book
Joyce Anderson-Stites Obituary
Joyce E. Anderson Stites, beloved mother, grandmother, and nurse, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1933, Joyce nurtured a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse from the age of six. She fulfilled that dream by attending Peter Bent Brigham Nursing School in Boston, and she dedicated over 60 years of her life to nursing in the Denver, Colorado area.
Joyce was the proud mother of five children with her first husband, Pete Anderson. Later in life, she married Randall Stites. She cherished her life in Colorado, where she enjoyed gardening, bicycling, spending time in the mountains and participating in community groups like the Red Hat Society. Joyce always had a spirit of adventure and developed a deep passion for travel. Her travels included unique experiences that took her to many corners of the globe. She relished in preserving those memories in hundreds of photo albums and scrapbooks.
Joyce faced profound loss with the unexpected death of her daughter Lisa in 2004, her son David in 2019 and her husband, Randy earlier this year. Despite these sorrows, she persevered in enjoying a meaningful life, bringing joy and companionship to those around her.
Joyce is survived by:
• Her brother, David Firmin of Worcester, Massachusetts
• Daughters: Bonnie Rowe (Stuart) of Augusta, West Virginia; Tracy Carlo (Bobby) of Littleton, Colorado; and Leslie Anderson of Aurora, Colorado
• Grandchildren: Jennifer Anderson of Seward, Alaska; Anthony Carlo (Chelsea) of Golden, Colorado; Daniel Carlo (Kahli) of Montezuma, Colorado; Caleb Cannady of Seward, Alaska; and Quentin Johnson of Anchorage, Alaska
• Great-grandchildren: Iris Anderson and Basil Dougherty of Seward, Alaska; Elizabeth Carlo of Aurora, Colorado; Wren Dougherty of Anchorage, Alaska; Jacob Carlo of Fishkill, New York; Jack Carlo of Montezuma, Colorado and Dylan Cannady of Seward, Alaska
• Great-great grandsons, Kadence and Sorrel Dougherty of Seward, Alaska.
Joyce's legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and a zest for life. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
The family looks forward to celebrating Joyce's life in early 2026. Please reach out to the family for further details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Joyce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Anderson-Stites
Tell your own story about Joyce
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Joyce Anderson-Stites's name
How to support Joyce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joyce Anderson-Stites's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
