Joyce White passed on at the age of 70 from a complication of an existing heart condition. She was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Charles (Bud) and Mary Nelson. She is survived by her husband, Robert White, of Peoria, Arizona and a circle of loving family and friends from all over the United States and Europe.
Both of Joyce’s parents and her sister, Susie, left this world far too early in her life, but she filled those voids by developing deep and lasting relationships with many extended family members and friends, too many to list for fear of leaving someone out. Having no children of her own, Joyce was a second mother to many, a sister to anyone with a drop of related blood, and a friend with so many whose relationships lasted for decades. If you were part of that circle, you received a handwritten note for special events or a personal thought of encouragement, often including a remembrance or gift.
In her full life, Joyce’s formative years were in Cheyenne, Wyoming. California and Hawaii became her next two states as she developed her skills in administration and organization. Then it was onto Chicago and Columbus, Ohio where she forged a career in banking while acquiring a Master’s Degree in Banking. Joyce began the corporate climb to a successful career in the financial services and banking industry taking her to Phoenix in her beloved state of Arizona – she so loved the Southwest. After her marriage to Bob, she continued her work in the UK and then York, PA. She became an expert in project and organizational management and “thinking out of the box”; these skills were evident in her work in the Westbrook Village community to this day. Joyce’s strategic vision for all organizations she participated in, and her personal financial advisory skills were generously shared when someone asked for help.
Through all of her successes, Joyce never lost touch with her friends and family as she explored the world and encouraged others to join her. She was passionate about travel particularly to the National Parks which was probably born out of a summer job as at bellhop in Yellowstone Park at age 16. Birds of the desert were also important to her and her connection to the hawk was life-long. For the past 5 years she and Bob have lovingly shared their retirement home at Westbrook Village with their cockatiel named Mr. “P”.
Privacy for herself and others was a mantra at her core. If you told her a secret it was never repeated. When she developed a heart condition at the age of 56, she did not share this information readily. She fought a valiant battle with this personal challenge without complaining or whining. Her philosophy of positive thinking kept her going for many years.
Above all else, Joyce had a generous spirit, lived with a commitment to integrity and took great joy in helping others. If you had any relationship with Joyce, you were expected to tell the truth and she did the same.
As one long-time friend says of her passing, “A light has gone out. We can only think of Joyce with a smile or a laugh and a positive outlook. We didn’t deserve to lose her so soon and we will all be the poorer because of the untimely loss.”
Please join us for a “Celebration of Life” for Joyce on Sunday, July 14th from 2-5 pm. An informal program will begin at 2:30 pm followed by food, beverages, and sharing memories until 5 pm.
Celebration of Life
The Links Neighborhood Grill in Westbrook Village
18823 N Country Club Parkway
Peoria, AZ 85382
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s name to the Fallen Feathers Organization (fallenfeathers.org) or Yellowstone Forever (yellowstone.org.)
There will be a private funeral for close family only.
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