Joyce Oja

Joyce Louise (Stephens) Oja, grandma Oja or "Gigi" was born a Yooper, raised in Calumet, MI, an active child, adored her parents and big sister, Great Lakes beach babe, winter sports enthusiast and MSU fan. A true woman/wife of the fifties she was devoted to husband and home. A concept we more "modern" women/generations don't always fully understand or embrace. She loved her husband, daughter, three granddaughters, their spouses and was especially amazed and delighted by her seven great grandchildren. She often asked on phone calls and during visits about the kids, their latest endeavors, activities and clever comments. Joyce ate well, walked and biked into her seventies. During week long summer visits she read to her granddaughters, played cards, cooked, baked and watched many living room fashion shows. She simply entertained with everyday chores like grocery shopping at Meijer, hanging clothes on the line and rolling her hair in curlers. She faithfully listened and offered advice without judgement while on many a phone call with her adult granddaughters.

Joyce passed away peacefully with family at bedside last Friday evening in the comfort of her own bed. A relief for family as she had rapidly declined over the past week and breathing was labored. She shared with family and staff that same morning that she felt certain it was time to join her husband George in heaven.

Our hearts are heavy entering the holiday season under these circumstances but we are thankful for many years and cherished memories with this special lady. 

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Edward L. and Mayme A. (Estenberg) Stephens, her sister, Elaine Schreiber, and her grandson, Andrew Hess.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Georgie (Larry) Hess; granddaughters, Rebekah (Matthew) McKee, Kathleen (Rajiv) Reddy, and Hannah (Nickolas) Dietrich; great-grandchildren, Benjamin McKee, Nikhil Reddy, Meena Reddy, Molly McKee, Maggie McKee, Zara Reddy and Nathaniel Dietrich; niece Sue Arko, and nephew Steve Schreiber, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be 1PM Monday, December 16th at Evergreen Cemetery, 2600 E. Mount Hope Ave., in Lansing, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice or to the Michigan Tech Development Fund #4583 in Joyce's memory.