Joyce Raley Teel

1931 - 2022

Joyce Raley Teel
February 9, 1931 - February 25, 2022
Carmichael, California - After 91 years of living life to its fullest, Joyce Raley Teel peacefully passed away at home on February 25, 2022, from natural causes.
The only child of Thomas P. Raley and Claire Mason, Joyce was a proud champion of the Sacramento community for over nine decades. From her early childhood days in Placerville, helping behind the counter of her parent's small grocery store to eventually serving as Owner and Co-Chairman of the Board for Raley's, Joyce was loved by all for her humility, kindness, and commitment to helping others.
Joyce met her husband, Jim Teel, while students at C.K. McClatchy High School. They married in 1950 and welcomed five children. A dedicated wife and mother, Joyce was known for her bright personality, sophisticated personal style, and her famous homemade pasta noodles - which her children often begged her to serve up one-by-one to ensure an equal share by all.
As her children grew, Joyce turned her attention to her community. She quickly developed a reputation as a talented leader and enthusiastic philanthropist - volunteering for organizations such as the Crocker Art Museum, the Children's Home Guild, the Salvation Army, the American Heart Association, and many, many more. A true believer in the potential of Sacramento, she gave her time and talents to efforts that improved the region's future. In 2001, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce named her Sacramentan of the Year for her continued dedication.
In 1985, she began her career at Raley's, quickly establishing herself as the heart of the successful company. Passionate about people, she launched Raley's first employee magazine "Superstories", the Family Life Committee - which helped working parents access affordable childcare and free parenting classes, and the Joyce Raley Teel Scholarship Fund - which has since awarded over $250,000 to Raley's team members and their families for continuing education.
While there are few community efforts that her leadership didn't touch, Joyce is perhaps best known for co-creating Raley's Food For Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger. Since its inception in 1986, Food For Families has provided over 42 million meals to those in need.
A patron of the arts and a lover of fashion, Joyce wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. She was as equally at home at the opera as she was hiking in her beloved Lake Tahoe or backpacking in Nepal. At the age of 65, she successfully climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. While she forwent college to become a mother, she deeply valued education and considered herself an avid student of the world - immersing herself in civics, current events, and local issues. In 2015, California State University Sacramento recognized her contributions to the region by bestowing upon her an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters.
Despite her myriad achievements, Joyce considered her family to be her finest accomplishment. With over two dozen grandchildren and more than thirty great-grandchildren, Joyce often said that being called "Mom" and "Grandma" were her favorite titles. She will be missed beyond measure by everyone who knew her, and leaves a legacy of grace and generosity that will be unmatched.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Jim, her son Michael Teel and wife Julie, daughters Claudia Doerhoff and husband Neil, Diane Perry and husband Robert, Laurie Struck and husband Eric, and Lisa Teel, as well as more than fifty grand and great-grand children and spouses.
A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages acts of kindness to celebrate her wonderful life. Remembrances in her honor may also be made to Food For Families, The Salvation Army, or The Joyce Nadine Raley Teel Endowment benefitting the Crocker Art Museum.