Joyce Joakim

Joyce Leedom Joakim of Centerville, 88, died peacefully on November 1, 2023. Born on August 4, 1935, in Johnsville, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Marian Leedom. Joyce grew up in Davisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her sister Jane and brother Tom, attended high school at George School and graduated Kutztown State Teacher’s College with a B.A.

After graduating college, Joyce traveled that summer with her sister Jane, to Hyannis, Massachusetts, where they both obtained summer jobs at the Mayflower Restaurant and met Jack Joakim. They married in 1958 and had a family of four children.

Joyce was a warm and loving homemaker, raising her family in Centerville. Later, she went on to work as a dental office manager for Dr. Auger, a seamstress for Roz’s Drapery Den and an administrative assistant for Cape Cod Council of Churches.

Joyce had a passion for reading, music, singing and sewing. She was actively involved in her church, West Parish of West Barnstable, where she was a handbell ringer and sang in the choir. She also served on the Organ Search Committee, which located the new pipe organ for the historic church. Last year, she penned the narrative “Musical Instruments in the 1717 Meetinghouse: a Narrative” which memorialized the music history at the church from the 1970s to present. She was previously a member of the Chatham Chorale.

Joyce was a kind and gentle woman, and “mom” to many.

Joyce is survived by her children, Jennifer D. Joakim of Valparaiso, Nebraska, John Paul Joakim and his wife Janet of Centerville, Massachusetts, Daniel W. Joakim of Centerville, Massachusetts, and Karen Joakim of Centerville, Massachusetts; grandchildren John Thomas Joakim and his wife Elizabeth Gregory of Denver, Colorado, Rachael Joakim of New York City, New York, Marissa Joakim of New York City, New York and Maxwell Joakim of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; and great-grandchildren Demetrius Joakim and Theodorus Joakim of Denver, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

Joyce was predeceased by her sister Jane Petridis, by her brother Thomas Leedom and her parents.

Family and friends are invited to attend her service, which will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at West Parish Church, Route 149, West Barnstable, Massachusetts, The Rev. Reed Baer, officiating, followed by a luncheon at Jenkins Hall, adjacent to the church. Burial will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Parish Music Program, West Parish Church, 2049 Meeting House Way, West Barnstable, Massachusetts, 02668.