Patricia M. Joyce

Pat Joyce was always a little different. Throughout her 84 years with us, she celebrated and struggled with those differences. Pat lived life on her own terms, her own way. Fully independent, she often rejected tradition, expectations and choices made by others. She always went to her grandchildren’s school events and celebrations wearing her favorite color, hot pink. Exuberant, sparkling, funny, inclusive, fiercely loyal, supportive, colorful, and life of the party are all terms commonly used to describe Nana Pat. Nana Pat loved cats, wild colors, interesting shoes, and a good mystery to solve. Her contagious laughter was the loudest in any room; ironically, that included the Dedham Public Library, where she worked for many years. She was an early adopter and big fan of polar fleece. Since it’s invention she gifted us all with polar fleece items: blankets, jackets, vests, and many other warm and cozy accessories. Pat didn’t often celebrate her good work and the many gifts she gave to others. We, who are left behind, will celebrate her legacy. Daughter of the late William and Helen Keefe of Roslindale; Pat was the beloved sister of John Keefe and his partner Sheryl Goodall, Anne Lyons and her husband John, Mary Venditti and her husband Carlo, and William Keefe and his wife Pamela. Her 13 grandchildren will miss Nana Pat terribly: Olivia, Francisco and Erin Sierra; James Joyce and Katelyn Sepmoree; Ali and Kyle Craver and Taylor Joyce; Garrett, Derrek, and Jillian Joyce; and Colleen and John Joyce. Her 3 great grandchildren, Kinley and Preston Craver, and Joaquin Sierra, will miss her at every holiday and celebration. Her many nieces and nephews will miss their Aunt Patsy. Pat considered her 6 children’s journey to independence to be her greatest source of pride: Elena Sierra and her husband Claudio, James Joyce and his wife Kathy, Michael Joyce and his wife Nancy, William Joyce and his wife Lisa, John Joyce, and Elizabeth Joyce; we will all remember Ma with love and appreciation. We will think of her whenever we take out our pink lipstick or put on our polar fleece vest; talk to our kitties, listen to a Doobie Brothers song, or sleep cuddled up with our favorite blanket. Nana left in her own way, wrapped in her favorite polar fleece blanket, listening to Marvin Gaye, with her daughter Elena and granddaughter Olivia by her side. If you think of Mom, please wear your polar fleece, lipstick, and hot pink clothes item in her honor. A private family celebration of Pat’s life will be held later this year. In her memory, donations can be made to Boston Healthcare for the Homeless at bhchp.org.