DENVER, Colo. - Joyce S. Hesketh, 90, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, musician, teacher, artist, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.

Born in Pennsylvania, Joyce grew up with music in her soul and creativity in her hands. She studied french horn at Oberlin, earned a Bachelor's in music education from West Chester State College, and a Master's in piano pedagogy from Southern Illinois University. Over the years, she played with the Southern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra and later with the Tahoe Philharmonic, with one of her final performances in the soaring Sagrada Família in Barcelona.

Joyce was a consummate musician, playing more than a dozen instruments. She was equally at home on the organ, directing choirs, or performing on her beloved harp - sometimes in fairy wings, reminding everyone that music is as magical as it is serious. She directed choirs in Carbondale, Illinois, and taught countless students at her studio, Le Jardin de Musique, as well as music courses at John A. Logan College.

Her artistry extended to watercolor painting, quilting, and sewing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she sewed hundreds of masks for frontline workers. A dedicated Rotarian and member of the National Guild of Organists, Beethoven Society, and Morning Etude Club, Joyce believed in living for others through creativity, music and service.

Family was her greatest joy. She raised five children with her beloved husband, Howard E. Hesketh, and later delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sister, Peggy Hassey of Lewiston, New York; and her five children, Howard W. Hesketh (Kathy) of Oakville, Missouri, Ryan Hesketh of Carbondale, Robert Hesketh (Fiona) of Sicklerville, New Jersey, Joy Strotz (Eric) of Incline Village, Nevada, and Melody Moore (Josh) of Denver, Colorado. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, in The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Carbondale, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Joyce's name, to the Southern Illinois Music Festival at https://give.siu.edu/southern-illinois-music-festival{/a}. Checks should be payable to the SIU Foundation with "SIFest Hesketh Memorial" in the memo line and can be mailed to: Southern Illinois Music Festival SIU School of Music, MC 4302 Carbondale IL 62901-4302

A full obituary may be viewed at monarchsociety.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan on Aug. 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Hesketh

Sponsored by Monarch Society.

6 Entries

Laurel Toussaint

October 21, 2025

My husband and I were Joyce's neighbors on Pinewood Drive in Carbondale for many years. Joyce was an amazing woman. She was so talented, creative, energetic, and generous. We needed no invitation to visit her in her home and pool. Everyone was welcome. We spent many hours floating, laughing, staying blissfully cool, on hot muggy days here in Carbondale. Joyce entertained us sharing memories of her childhood and raising her family. We missed her when she moved to Colorado, but know it was a good decision for Joyce and her family. It was no surprise that she made new friends and continued to make and share music in her new home. Joyce was truly one-of-a-kind.
We look forward to joining family and friends celebrating her life in November.
Laurel Toussaint &. Tom Bik

Edward Benyas

September 4, 2025

I was honored to know Joyce for 30 years living in Carbondale. She performed many times with me in the Southern Illinois Symphony, on both harp and French horn, and was a longstanding supporter of the Southern Illinois Music Festival, housing many of our artists and hosting many late night pool parties, showing her generosity and support for the arts in many ways. I have many fond and some humorous memories of Joyce, and will continue to relate them to keep her memory alive.

Darla Loftus

August 22, 2025

I first met Joyce, when I was in Women's Ensemble, at SIUC. Dr. Charles Taylor, our Director, always asked Joyce to play her harp, at our various performances.

I also remember the summertime pool parties, at her home, in Carbondale. Joyce, you were so much fun, and very "unique!" You will be missed! Play that harp loud, and proud, in Heaven, girl!

Ann Stahlheber

August 21, 2025

For many seasons Joyce entertained customers, young and old, with her harp music at the Farmers Market of Carbondale. Children would sing along with her or pluck at her harp and she enjoyed every minute of it. Sometimes the harp seemed bigger than she was, but she would manage to get everything set up under the market shade tree and play away. The members of the market send you sympathy for the loss of such an important part of your family. She touched so many people.

Dr Julia Schroeder

August 21, 2025

Joyce was an excellent music instructor and performer. She was loved by her students and respected by her colleagues.

Anita Hutton

August 21, 2025

My deepest condolences for all the family. Joyce was a "force" in the musical and creative scene in Carbondale. I was always amazed to see her carting her harp around! Her creativity knew no bounds and her joy in ALL things was contagious. There is no other like Joyce.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results