Joyce A. Dyer

1934-2015

Farmingdale – Joyce Ann Dyer, 81, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 1, 2015, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta.

She was born on January 3, 1934, the daughter of Vaughan and Winifred (Edell) Totman. Joyce graduated from Lawrence High School in 1953; as valedictorian, she memorized and flawlessly delivered her three-page speech without the use of any notes. On September 4, she married her high school sweetheart, Bill Dyer. They were married for 52 years until his passing in 2005.

Bill and Joyce had four children, Steve, Pam, Kevin, and Bonnie; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah, Michael, and Danielle; and, nine great-grandchildren. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Bill, and her son, Steve.

She enjoyed going to the beach, playing Bingo, putting together jigsaw puzzles, cross stitching, knitting and crocheting, making clothes and costumes, cheering on the NBA, the NFL, the Olympics, boys’ high school basketball, stock car racing at Unity Raceway, and watching “Dancing with the Stars.” Growing up, Joyce was a graceful toe dancer and enthusiastic head cheerleader. Throughout her life, she loved roller skating, skiing, ice skating, listening to rock & roll, and doing a mean jitterbug.

During her working years, she cleaned houses, babysat, gift wrapped and shipped packages at Dunham’s of Maine, and gift wrapped at Levine’s during Christmas time. Her knack for wrapping perfectly tight, beautifully embellished gifts was unrivaled.

For the past two years, Joyce lived at Halldale Manor where she had made several friends. She and her daughter, Bonnie, also reconnected and grew closer during their weekly outings for lunch and shopping. Although her life was not easy, she is finally at peace.

A graveside service will be held at the Friends Cemetery, Middle Road in Fairfield, on Friday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charley’s Strays (in Clinton) in honor of her grand-dog, Bridget, PO Box 64 Limestone ME 04750, www.charleysstrays.us or to Thomas College in honor of her daughter, Bonnie Buckmore, Advancement Office 180 W River Rd Waterville ME 04901, www.thomas.edu/give. Services are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com