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Joyce Noel Obituary
resident of Estero, FL and Warwick, RI, beloved wife of Governor Philip W. Noel, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 in Estero, FL.
Born in Providence, RI, Joyce was the daughter of Walter and Genevieve (Healey) Sandberg. Joyce was known for her beauty and grace. She was crowned Miss Rhode Island in 1953 and participated in the Miss America Pageant. She went on to become Miss Rhode Island USA and competed in the 1954 Miss USA Pageant.
On October 20, 1956, Joyce married the love of her life, Philip. She became the First Lady of Rhode Island when Philip became governor of the state in 1973. Joyce enjoyed supporting her husband's endeavors, and she played an instrumental role in his successful political career.
Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed sailing, golfing and playing Bridge. She was an active member of Saint Kevin Church in Warwick, RI, Warwick Country Club, Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Ft. Myers, FL, and Wildcat Run Country Club in Estero, FL. Some of Joyce's favorite passions were entertaining, cooking and baking for family and friends. Her happiest times were those when she was surrounded by those she loved.
In addition to her husband she is survived by three daughters and one son: Linda J. Hirst of Wakefield, RI, Lori A. Noel of Warwick, RI and Naples, FL, Joanne N. Listro of Attleboro, MA, and Joseph W. Noel of Naples, FL. She was predeceased by her son, Thomas P. Noel. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Joyce will be remembered for her elegance, kindness, generosity and compassion for others.
A private mass will be held for the family in Florida. In April the family will announce plans for a celebration of Joyce's life which will be held in Warwick in May. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to St. Kevin Church, Our Lady of Light or your local community food bank.
Online condolences can be submitted to www.shikanyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Noel
Sponsored by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
Stanley Jendzejec
February 10, 2021
Joyce, was a loving person. My wife and I had the privilage of Phli an her company at many functions. May she rest in piece.
February 10, 2020
To the Noel family I can understand how much your memories of Joyce is a sad time, but as a great lady she is continuing her wonderful work in heaven and we pray she will be there to help our grandson. HAP and SUE
Richard H. Pacheco
March 23, 2019
Dear Governor, we have never met, but I heard many GOOD things about you thru my late DAD, HENRY W. PACHECO,(Deputy Registrar Of DMV). Please accept my sincere condolence of the passing of your Wife.
Anita Ferla
March 7, 2019
Dear Phil and Family,
My deepest condolences on Joyce's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your old friend, Anita Ferla
Jeff Southworth
March 3, 2019
To the entire Noel Family,
Jeanne and I want to extend to you our deepest sympathy. Your Mother was a beautiful lady who had a heart of gold. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find strength, courage and peace during this difficult time.
The Southworth Family
Lou Frattarelli
February 21, 2019
Dear Phil & Family,
May you all be embraced in Love as you Honor Joyce . . . A Beautiful Lady who raised a Beautiful Family.
God Bless,
Lou & Louise Frattarelli
Lou Frattarelli
February 21, 2019
Dear Phil & Family,
May you all be embraced in Love as you Honor Joyce . . . A Beautiful Lady who raised a Beautiful Family.
God Bless,
Lou & Louise Frattarelli
Maureen Centore
February 21, 2019
To the Noel Family,So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a very kind women. A great friend to my mom. Thinking of you all my thoughts and prayers to everyone.
Love,
Maureen Haxton Centore
February 21, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Scott Bill Hirst
February 20, 2019
Governor Noel and Family-
I moved to adjourn the Hopkinton Town Council last night in memory of former Rhode Island First Lady Joyce Anne Noel. My respect and regards to you all. I notice Linda is married to a Hirst, not a common name, but clearly at least not a close relative of mine. My best advice is to grieve in your own way. Not all deal with death in the same way. I trust memories will sustain you. Respectfully, Scott Bill Hirst, Vice President, Hopkinton, Rhode Island Town Council.
February 18, 2019
Dear Governor Noel & Family.
Our deepest condolences in the loss of Joyce. I always enjoyed your conversations when you were a customer in the Warwick Post Office.
Philip A Justin.
February 17, 2019
To the Noel family.
So sorry to learn of Joyce's passing.
she was a beautful lady
Sincerely,
Ed Stone.
Brian Ethier
February 17, 2019
Dear Noel Family: I'm so sorry to hear about Joyce passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
February 16, 2019
Dear Governor Noel, I was sadden to read of Joyce's passing. Please except my deepest sympathy, my thoughts and payers are with you. May she rest in peace. Joyce was a loving lady.
Stanley Jendzejec
Coventry, RI & Naples, FL
Terry&Marie Brown
February 16, 2019
Terry and I send our sincere sympathy to you and the family. We remember so many good times . Joyce was a good neighbor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
February 16, 2019
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife and mom. She was a beautiful, fun loving person. It was great living next door to you. One of the funniest things I will remember is, One afternoon she was getting ready for a party. There was a huge pot of boiling water on the stovetop. She dropped a lobster into the pot and about 5 seconds later, it jumped out! I will never forget her face that day. First she screamed and then started laughing. She told the lobster she was sorry but.......
There are so many memories. My prayers go out to all of you.
Paula Bennett
Mike Droitcour
February 16, 2019
Goveror, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Paul Wyrostek
February 16, 2019
Dear Governor Noel and family,
My deepest condolences on your wife's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Dennis & Maureen Ethier
February 16, 2019
Dear Noel Family,
Moe and I are so sorry to hear about Joyce passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
February 16, 2019
Dear Noel family: I was very sorry to hear of Mrs. Noel's passing. I always enjoyed time spent with her back in the day. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Skip McAloon
February 16, 2019
Dear Phil and family,Saddened to read of Joyce's passing. She was a beautiful lady.. we are with you at this time of sadness. May she rest in peace. Sincerely, Coach Joe Mancini and Marge. Vero Beach,Fl
February 15, 2019
Our sympathy goes out to Joyce's family, so sorry for your loss. Love to you all. Hap and Sue Miller
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