Joyce was born the daughter of Edward and Ellen (Bjunes) Dale in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on September 11, 1935. She graduated from Sault High school, where she met her future husband Anthony. She married Anthony Bonacci in March of 1954 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, close to where Anthony was stationed in the Army. In ensuing years, Joyce and Anthony raised their growing family in Detroit, Royal Oak and Rochester Hills.
Joyce was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church. She loved her family and enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and Red Wings, reading, and playing word and puzzle games. Joyce led a busy life working in family businesses, being involved with the Girl Scouts and volunteering in church outreach programs, all while taking loving care of her family. Her cheerful and kind demeanor as well as her lighthearted sense of humor, endeared her to everyone she met.
Joyce is survived by her children John, Mary, Nancy, Annie (Tom Byron) and William Bonacci; Grandchildren Anthony Bonacci, Amy (Erik) Iverson, Anne Marie (Jason) St. Pierre, Angela Bonacci, Nicholas (Rachel) Bonacci, Tom Byron-Bonacci and Sam Bonacci-Byron; sister DiAnn (Bill) Pettett; great-grandchildren Anthony Bonacci and Ally Iverson; many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Anna (Don) Slater and brother-in-law Carmine (Debbie) Bonacci. Joyce was predeceased by her parents; husband Anthony Bonacci; son Mark Bonacci; grandson Joseph Bonacci; and brother Robert Dale.
A private chapel service will be held at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Rochester, Michigan. Entombment will follow.
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