Joyce Elaine Friedman

Joyce Elaine Friedman, age 83 of Ovid, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. A funeral service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 203 E. First North St., Laingsburg, MI 48848. Rev. Dr. Tom Rundel will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of service. She will be laid to rest privately at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Laingsburg.

Born on January 11, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan, Joyce, affectionately known as Joy by those who knew her best, was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Joy was the loving daughter of Henry Washington and Maxine Loraine (Morris) Proper and grew up alongside her sister, Loretta Cartwright, in Lansing. Her life was enriched by the bonds of family and friendship from her earliest days. Joy's heart found its match when she married Louis August Friedman on her 21st birthday, January 11, 1964, in East Lansing, Michigan. She attended St. Isidore Catholic Church alongside her beloved husband for many years. Dedicating countless hours to volunteering for funeral lunches at the parish. Their union was a testament to true love and partnership until Louis's untimely passing in 1998. This year would have marked 62 years of togetherness; now, after 28 years apart, they are united once again for eternity.

The legacy of Joy's kind and selfless spirit is carried on by her loving daughters, Kimberly Friedman of Ovid, TammyFriedman of Ovid, Jamie (Victor) Medina of Ovid, and Tanya (John) Cartwright of Lansing; her grandchildren, Joshua (Michelle) Friedman of St. Johns, Brian Engels of Ovid, Ashlee (Daniel) Williams of Potterville, Lewis Ward of Lansing, Zachary (Ava) Ward of Lansing, and Savannah Ward of Lansing. The light of Joy's life expanded with the birth of her great-grandson, Daniel James "DJ" Williams, who brought immense happiness to her later years. DJ's performances of song and dance for his great grandma, alongside his favorite ladybug statue, will remain a cherished memory for the family.

Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis, her parents, her sister, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including her best friend of 78 years, Phyllis Daggy. Both graduates of DeWitt High School, Joy and Phyllis shared countless moments of laughter and the occasional mischievous adventure, all of which shaped Joy's vibrant life.

A proud graduate of DeWitt High School, Class of 1960, Joy dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. Her career as a nurse's aide was a natural extension of her innate compassion and desire to help those in need.

An avid card player, Joy's skill at the game of euchre was well-known throughout different towns. She competed in big euchre tournaments and even clinched the first-place title, a testament to her sharp mind and competitive spirit. Saturday nights were reserved for card games with her family, a tradition that created laughter and cherished memories.

Memorials in Joy's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research at stjude.org.

Online condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com.