Joyce Brady Wagner

1934 - 2025

Joyce Brady Wagner passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at home on June 29 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was 90 years old.

Born in Inglewood, California, on December 2, 1934, to Herbert H. and Helen F. Sanders, she was born 8 minutes after her twin sister, Joan. Joyce attended local Inglewood schools until the family relocated to Willits, CA, in 1950 during her junior year. She graduated from Willits High School in 1952.

Joyce met her late husband, Robert "Bob" Brady, at the local Purity grocery store in Willits, where he was a butcher. They married on February 27, 1955, and had three sons: Michael Robert, Steven Lawrence, and Bruce Wayne Brady, all born in Ukiah, CA. The family lived in several towns, including Ft Bragg and Auburn, before settling in Napa in 1970. Joyce and Bob were married for 33 years until his untimely passing on September 27, 1988, at age 54.

Joyce met the next love of her life at First Christian Church and married Joseph "Jay" Wagner on June 7, 1992. Remarkably, they were also married for 33 years at the time of Joyce's passing. Jay was an amazingly loving husband and took care of her at home the entirety of her decline with Alzheimer's. Both devout Christians, their strong faith helped get them through this challenging time. They enjoyed many good years together, traveling abroad and spending time with their family and friends.

They particularly enjoyed driving their BMW Z4 convertible on road trips to Ferndale, Pacific Grove, Bodega Bay, and Avila Beach.

Joyce is survived by her husband Jay Wagner, sons Steven Brady (Leila) of Boise, ID, Bruce Brady (Stacy) of Boise, ID, Jamie Wagner of Napa, and Jay Wagner (Sabrina) of El Dorado Hills, CA, daughters Kathleen Steiner (Curt) of Napa, and Lisa Cox of Cross Junction, VA.

Joyce was also blessed with 22 grandchildren including Dr. Megan Brady Shannon (Ryan) of Midlothian VA, Amanda Brady Cowan (Aaron) of Napa, Marina M. Brady of Denver, CO, Grace Brady of Boise, ID, Ben Brady, Titus Brady, and Jeremiah Brady all of Portland, OR, Joseph Brady of Santa Fe, NM, Timothy Brady (Ailea) of Blue Lake, CA, Cecilia Dominguez, Bianca Guidino, Gianna Guidino, Noah Steiner all of Napa, Jairin, Jessie, and James Wagner all of Napa, Lindsay Wilkins (David) of WV, Brandon, James Paul (JP) of Cross Junction, VA, Jaylina Nelson (Jordan) of El Dorado Hills, Jayde Viskovich (Silas) of Los Gatos, CA, and Jayson Wagner of El Dorado Hills, CA.

Joyce was particularly delighted with her three great-grandchildren, Grant and Caroline Shannon of Midlothian, VA, and Dawson Cowan of Napa.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Brady; her son, Michael R. Brady; and her sister, Joan Menzie Miller.

Joyce was a beautiful woman who naturally presented with class, elegance, and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love for her family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family is very thankful for the kind-hearted care given to Joyce that made it possible for her to remain at home. Her loving caretaker, Brenda Martinez, supported her daily for the last 21 months, making the impossible possible. In her last weeks, the Hospice nurses were exceedingly compassionate, sometimes coming twice a day to care for Joyce.

In remembrance of Joyce's life, the family requests that any charitable donations be made to Providence Hospice of Napa Valley.

Services will be held at Grace Church Napa Valley on Saturday, July 19th at 11 AM, followed by a reception.