Joyce Rosalia Gordon

Joyce Rosalia Gordon, 87, a native of Cincinnati, OH, and resident of Madera, CA, for 82 years passed away on November 28, 2025. She was born to Guido and Paolina Martina on April 21, 1938. Joyce was raised in Madera's tight-knit Italian community, where family, friends, and good times were the center of life. Joyce attended local schools and was a majorette and pep girl at Madera High School, graduating in 1956. She was a life member of the Italo American Club in Madera and was an avid bridge player for her entire adult life. She maintained many lifelong friendships through these activities. Joyce worked for Madera Unified School District for 20 years in Food Service (yes, she was a part of that amazing group of ladies who made the famous chocolate chip cookies!).

Joyce is preceded by her husband, Richard "Dick" Gordon, her parents, brother-in-law, Frank Gordon, and niece, Kellie Morgan Schenck.

She is survived by her children, Michael Gordon of Madera, Laurie Lara and Bret Cappelluti of Madera, and Shelly Rocha (Danny), of Idaho her grandchildren, Joseph Lara (Krystle), Vincent Lara (Nathan Huey), Julia Crump (John), Danny Rocha Jr., and Jared Rocha, great-grandchildren, Cade Lara, Kaylah Webster(Noah), Noah, Westin, and Elliette Crump, and great-great-grandson, Miles Webster.

She also leaves her sister-in-law, Betty Lou Gordon of Madera, sister, Diane Morgan (Jim) of Carbondale, CO, nieces Michelle Padgett(Paul), Jannie Grizzell(Tim) of Madera, and Tom Morgan of Fresno, a slew of McNally cousins, too many friends to mention, and the best caregiver, Sadie Brand of Madera.

A crypt-side service will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at Calvary Mausoleum at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Vineyard Restaurant at 605 S. "I" Street, Madera.