Joyce Elizabeth Lagerlund

1940 - 2024

Burlington - Joyce Elizabeth Lagerlund was born in Mount Vernon, WA on April 5th, 1940, to Sigurd and Thordys (Rodvelt) Benson. She went to be with the Lord on the evening of December 25th, 2024 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Joyce grew up in Burlington and Bow, WA, with her older brother, Jerry (Gerald), and younger sister, Janet. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Western Washington University in 1962. While in college, Joyce used some of the money she earned working at the local cannery to take up skiing at the Mount Baker Ski Area. It was there that she began her relationship with her future husband, Oscar Lagerlund. They were married on July 27th, 1962, and enjoyed more than 62 years together.

Joyce raised a family of four children while also helping to run the Lagerlund dairy farm in Burlington. There she could often be found preparing delicious meals for family, friends, and farmworkers, handling finances, driving truck, managing and caring for calves, and so much more. While she worked hard throughout her life, she also knew how to have fun. She enjoyed all kinds of activities in the mountains, at the beach, and at home with her family and friends. This included skiing, dancing to accordion music, eating fresh crab, and rooting for the Seattle Mariners. She especially loved swimming at the family beach house on Samish Island.

Joyce was active in many organizations throughout her life, starting out with the Torch Club and school band in High School. She participated as a Skagit County Dairy Princess contestant and was especially proud to be a Dairy Princess chaperone for many years afterwards. She was also a member of Soroptimist International (Burlington Chapter), Dairy Women of Skagit County, and the WWU Alumni Foundation. Later in her life she was especially active as a member of the Territorial Daughters of Skagit County.

Joyce was a devout Christian finding great strength and peace in her faith. She was baptized and married at Edison Lutheran Church, and also attended Salem Lutheran Church for many years. Her generosity and sense of humor brought joy to everyone around her. Her immense love, unwavering support, and daily prayers have fostered a wonderful family, including many grandchildren, all of whom she was extremely proud. They are deeply grateful for the years they shared with her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings, Jerry and Janet. She is survived by her loving husband, Oscar; daughters Christy (Ron), Karin (Chris), and Lynnette (Norm); son Nels (Amber); 11 grandchildren of whom 4 are married; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of Joyce's life will be held on January 4th, 2025, at Edison Lutheran Church, 14201 Church Rd, Bow, WA, at 11:00 AM. Refreshments and a light lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Northwest Foundation at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Phone number 1-360-814-5702.