Sr. Imelda Joyce

Sister Imelda Joyce, 81, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, died at 2:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2011, in Camilla Hall at St. Joseph Center in Tipton, Indiana following a long illness.

The daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Beer) Joyce, Patricia Ann was born in Kokomo on June 11, 1930. She was a long-time member of St Patrick Parish in Kokomo where she was baptized. After graduating from St. Patrick School and St. Joseph Academy in Tipton, Patricia entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1947. She received the religious habit of the congregation the following year, and was given the name Sister Imelda. In August, 1956, Sister Imelda professed her perpetual vows, and in 2007 she celebrated with her Sisters, family, and friends the 60th anniversary of her life in the community.

Always a very gentle and loving woman, Sister Imelda could light up a room with the beauty and graciousness of her smile. She was very close to her family, enjoyed the company of many friends, and eagerly sought opportunities to be with them, celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other special events.

In 1972 Sister Imelda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and in 1976, a Masters Degree in Education from St. Scholastica College in Duluth, Minnesota. She taught for thirty two years in parochial schools in Winamac, South Bend, Marion, Elwood, and Kokomo. Sister Imelda stayed in contact with many of her former students, who speak of her with affection and gratitude.

In the later years of her teaching ministry, Sister Imelda also devoted time and energy ministering to those in prison, visiting them as often as her schedule allowed. She traveled often to spend time with those incarcerated in Pendleton. Her growing familiarity with the penal system led her to various positions with the Crisis Center of Kokomo, where she served as a member of the board as well as a volunteer with the Crisis Hotline. She also worked with the Probation Department, serving as a counselor in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program.

A graduate of Ivy Tech, Sister Imelda became a Certified Nursing Assistant, serving patients of St. Joseph Hospital both on the nursing units and in the hospital’s Home Health Program. In this role, also, her kindness and gentleness was a great comfort to many. Using this experience, Sister Imelda, in 1998, assumed primary care for her elderly mother, to whom she ministered faithfully until the time of her mother’s death.

In 2001, Sister Imelda retired to St. Joseph Center in Tipton, but continued to be in close contact with the friends and family members with whom she had shared her life. Her presence at the Center was great gift to the Sisters, residents and staff.

Sister Imelda was predeceased by her parents, and two brothers, Paul Joyce and Carl Wilson. She is survived by a brother, Ralph (Cindy) Joyce and two sisters, Rosemary Haynes and Helen (Joseph) Smith, all of Kokomo, as well as several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Many cousins from Michigan and Ohio also grieve her loss.

Visitation is scheduled at St. Joseph Center Chapel in Tipton, Indiana for Wednesday, July 6, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday morning, July 7, preceding the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., at which Father Theodore Dudzinski will preside. Burial will be in the Cemetery at St. Joseph Center following the Mass. May Sr. Imelda rest in Christ’s eternal peace.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.