Joyce Pate was born October 31, 1934 in Aberdeen, South Dakota the daughter of Rachel Hoffert and Lloyd Prouse. Born on Halloween, she was destined to love that Holiday and she always celebrated with pumpkins, tons of candy, and scary tricks.
Her home was full of love and lots of noise with 10 children. She had 5 brothers and 4 sisters who were baptized and raised Catholic. First in line was Bernard, then Gladys, then Doris, then Joyce, next Margie , Janet, Frank, Robert, then David and finally Kenneth. She is survived by Marge Scott, Janet Tate, David Prouse and Kenneth Prouse. She has numerous nieces and nephews who adored her visits and her presence.
In 1951, she moved from South Dakota to Bremerton. While at a YMCA dance, she met Max Pate, a young Navy enlisted man. They fell in love and married in 1954. Together they parented 5 boys and twin girls, Sheri and Jeri, that were born premature and died at birth. Her boys were her life and her joy and she needed her wicked sense of humor to get through life with them at her side. First born was Owen (deceased), next Evan (Bothell), Jerry (Hawaii), Michael (Auburn) and Ryan (Auburn). Although her marriage to Max ended they did remain close friends. Mom also had an enormous number of friends, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who all loved Grandma Joyce dearly.
Mom was an avid Seahawks fan, loved sailing and boating. She had an amazing work ethic that kept her busy well into her 70’s. She loved coffee, gardening, children, babies and her beloved Dachshund, Zippy. She was spunky and yet so warm and loving you would just fall into her arms after a bad day. Joyce’s gift to us all, beyond her caring nature was her laughter and she shared it abundantly.
Our mother left this earth on April 25, 2017. She was 82 wonderful years young. Her memorial service will be held May 20th at 1:00 PM at:
The Lake Desire Community Clubhouse
18118 172nd Ave. SE, Renton WA.98058
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