CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF OUR DEAR JOYCE

JOYCE MARGARET HOFFMAN

October 6, 1918 - February 25, 2007

Dear Friends,

I am dedicating this latest post to our dear Aunt Joyce who went home to be with our Lord and her beloved husband, Carl, on February 25, 2007. I wrote a poetic eulogy to celebrate her life. I am attaching it to this blog.

Joyce helped to raise Sharon and was as dear as a mother to her.

While Joyce had a very difficult life one would never know it. She was a tender, loving lady with a marvelous sense of humor. We miss her greatly.

OUR DEAR JOYCE

Joyce = Vivacious
Spiritual = God's gracious gift
Psalm 16:11 – You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Margaret = Pearl
Spiritual = Gift of God
Palm 18:32 – It is God who arms with strength and makes my way perfect.

Our dear Joyce with a gracious heart,
Joy to others she did impart.
A smile for all who passed her way,
A loving heart it did display.

A lady who with winning charm,
Would never bring another harm.
A sense of humor hard to beat,
In her presence you feel complete.

Many children she helped to raise,
As adults they sang her praise.
She cared for them up through their youth,
Through her stories she taught them truth.

Raised up children with tender care,
Showed each one love, with much to spare.
Though not her own you could not tell,
With tender heart she raised them well.

A special love for Sharon had,
Cared for her needs like mom and dad.
Taught her arts and crafts; cartoons too.
Showed her patience - loyal and true.

Her sense of humor, cunning wit,
So many times our sides did split.
We never knew what Joyce would say,
But some cute quip she'd send our way.

Love for Carl showed by her care,
Whatever his needs, she was there.
For twelve long years she served with pride,
Would never leave her Carl's side.

A giving heart through out her life,
Helping out others through there strife.
She gave out loans that turned to gifts,
Burdens of others gladly lifts.

For all the love shared year by year,
For all the times she stood real near.
For loving us when all seemed loss,
When hearts were down and tempest tossed.

A gracious gift of God bestowed.
Her life lifted many a load
Our dear Joyce entered into rest,
The hearts of many she had blest.

Now in God's love she doth abide,
Standing close by her Carl's side.
Seeing the joys that lie in store,
Knowing pleasures forever more,

With Loving Gratitude

Don and Sharon