Joyce M. Powers

Joyce M. Powers, 87, of Andover Massachusetts, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on December 27, 2025. Joyce was the daughter of the late Donald W and Alice MacInnes. Joyce was born on August 16, 1938 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Joyce was the eldest sibling to her sister Nancy and brother Richard. She graduated from Watertown High School and continued on to earn her Bachelor's degree in early education at Lesley College University.

During Joyce's younger years, she managed cottages on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, where she met and fell in love with her husband, David. David proposed to Joyce after a climb (run) up to the top of Mount Chocorua in New Hampshire and were married in June 1961. They had three daughters, Karen, Wendy and Deborah. Joyce started her married life in Littleton, MA and eventually moved to Andover, MA. Joyce knew she wanted to become a teacher from the fourth grade– A decision that led to a successful thirty eight year career as an early education teacher. Her career began in Ayer and Acton, MA, with the majority of her career being spent in Andover, where she resided for forty seven years.

Joyce adored being surrounded by children, filling her station wagon to the brim with kids on the way to the nearest pond, lake, or beach– Perhaps even an ice cream cone to cap off a summer outing. Joyce also enjoyed reading, attending several book clubs, writing poetry, waterskiing at Lakeshore Park, making her famous Christmas bread, candy cane cookies, and of course, bingo and her scratch-offs. Above all, however, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, referred to affectionately as the "lucky seven", who in turn referred to Joyce as Nana, or "Nana Honey" by her great granddaughters.

Joyce is survived by her brother Richard D. MacInnes of Surprise, AZ; her daughters Karen Vocell of Lowell, MA, Wendy Contos (Andy) of Syracuse, NY, Deborah Nutton of Andover, MA; her seven grandchildren, Christine Pike (Henry), Ryan Vocell, Amanda Vocell (Peter Calitri), Breanne Bohling (Nicholas), Shaun Lima, Katelyn Cunniff (Jake), and Drew Contos; great granddaughters Avery and Kasey Cunniff, Kaylee Bohling, Ellcie Pike, and her many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Brown and Hickey Funeral Home on Saturday, January 3, from 10:00am to 12:00pm 36 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, MA. A graveside service will be held immediately following for family and friends at the Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA).

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Joyce Powers' memory can be made to the charity of your choice.