Joyce Vliek

VLIEK, Mrs. Joyce
Of Portage Joyce's earthly life began in Decatur, Michigan on January 16, 1929; she departed it from Rose Arbor Hospice Residence on January 9, 2011 for her eternal home. The second of four children to be born to Byron and Pauline Price Stover, her early years were spent in Decatur, and after an absence of several years, returning there from St. Joseph late in her junior year of high school. There she met her future husband, Ted. They became engaged on Christmas Eve of their senior year in high school and were married the following July, celebrating 62 years of marriage in 2010. As a child of the Depression, Joyce very early on placed minimal priority on material things, but rather chose to spend her younger years through an active social life with multiple friends doing simple things like roller skating and occasional dances. As she started her family with Ted, she spent virtually all of her time and energy on her biggest single passion; her family. She supported her husband and three children as Ted pursued continuing education and a career in public service. As the family grew, her priority never changed but simply shifted to include three daughters-in-law and her single biggest loves; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was always having the entire family gather at holidays or at their home on Eagle Lake in Paw Paw. Although Joyce's career outside the home included work in several areas, her greatest success and the one that brought her the highest level of satisfaction, was that of teacher's aide in special education with the Portage Schools, a career from which she retired in 1986. During her many years in education she touched the lives of countless children and their parents in a very positive way. Joyce is survived by her husband, Ted; by three sons: Doug Judy, Ted Deb and Chuck Peggy, all of Portage, and by seven grandchildren: Amy Matt Tuley, Chad Lynn Vliek, Jessica Vliek, Tara Dan Chumita and TJ Vliek, all of Portage, and Bill Emily Vliek of Okemos and Mary Brian Smith of Williamston. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren: Grace, Lexi and Eli Tuley; Tyler, Madison, Jena and Will Vliek; Dalton and Avalon Chumita. One sister, Patricia Cottrell of Hermitage, TN, and two brothers, Bill Joyce of Paw Paw and Bob Gladys of Decatur also survive, as do many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 10:30 Thursday morning, January 13, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 929 East Centre Ave., with The Reverend Dennis Reminschneider, Rector, presiding. A private interment is planned at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. Visitation will occur on Wednesday, January 12, from 3-5 pm & 7-9 pm at Langeland family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. In lieu of flowers, Joyce's family suggests memorials be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. The family extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the incredible love and care Joyce received at Wynwood of Portage, Bronson Hospital and Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. That tenderness and extraordinary level of care given in Joyce's greatest hours of need shall be remembered always. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Joyce's online guest book or leave a condolence to her family. 269-343-1508