Joyce Elaine Van Konynenburg

Joyce Elaine Van Konynenburg, 87, of Hughson, California went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 7, 2023, peacefully with her family surrounding her at Samaritan Village where she resided since 2009.

Joyce was born in Downey, California to Gerard and Elizabeth Vanden Berg. Joyce and her two sisters went to a Christian school in Bellflower. They later moved to Ripon, California in 1948 and then to the Mariposa Ranch in Escalon where she and her sisters finished high school.

Joyce met Dick Van Konynenburg at his brothers wedding soon after his return from the Korean Conflict. Following a short courtship, they married in November of 1957. Dick and Joyce ran the family peach ranch and soon moved to Hughson where they farmed peaches and then walnuts and almonds. With five kids, Dick and Joyce served their community and church. They were incredibly involved with their children’s school and activities. Joyce served on many boards: PTA, 4-H, FFA, 20th Century, Young Farmers, Homemakers of America, California Women for Agriculture, Modesto Historical Museum, Modesto Garden Club and McHenry Mansion Foundation.

Dick and Joyce enjoyed traveling and taking care of their ranch and fresh vegetable and rose gardens. They were married fifty-one beautiful years. After Dick’s passing, Joyce made her home at Samaritan Village in 2009 where she has met so many wonderful new friends. The Staff at Samaritan Village made her feel at home and has taken great care of her throughout her years to the very end.

Joyce is survived by her children, Gina Lechuga, Dirk (Julie) Van Konynenburg, Kathy Van Konynenburg, and Samantha (Jamie) Franscella; her grandchildren, Arja and Aliesha (Brandon) Lechuga, Dirk Adam, Brittany and Bradley Van Konynenburg, Zachary (Angel) Van Konynenburg, Gerard Van Konynenburg and Tessa and Sophia Franscella; and her three great grandchildren, Lennox Long, Joy and Madilynn Van Konynenburg.

Joyce was proceeded in death by her parents, Gerard and Elizabeth Vanden Berg, two sisters Emma and Betty, her husband Dick Van Konynenburg and her son Gary Van Konynenburg.

There will be a graveside service (10am) at Lakewood Cemetery and a Celebration of Life at Samaritan Village (12pm) on June 16, 2023.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to Community Hospice.