Joyce Panici

In her lifetime, Joyce Marie Panici truly conveyed a woman of substance who was defined by the faith and love that surrounded her. She instilled in her family what was important, and will be thought of lovingly as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Most importantly, Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to family, who lived her life well, embracing all that life had to offer. The year 1921 was a time when the American dream was working at a fevered pitch, and good fortune was alive and well. The roaring twenties was in full swing, and the sweet sound of jazz was enjoyed by all. America was experiencing a time of rapid growth, and while farming continued to be the mainstay of rural communities, cities like Muskegon, Michigan were bustling with business and industry. It was in this community along the Lake Michigan shoreline that a young couple was experiencing a time of growth as well. Eugene and Florence (Bourdon) Charron were blessed with the birth of a little girl they named Joyce Marie, born on July 20, 1921 of that summer. Joyce was also welcomed by her sister, Marguerite, who was five years old when Joyce came along. The family made their home on Maffett Street in Muskegon Heights, and her father provided for his family working as a security guard while her mother was a homemaker, staying home to care for Joyce and her sister. Sadly, Joyces father died when she was just 16 years old. It was during the Great Depression, and times were already a struggle for most American families. Her mother went to work as a clerk in the lingerie department at Hardy Herpolsheimers, later taking on a job at Hackley Hospital. The family was devout members of St. Jeans Baptiste Catholic Church, a close knit church community. Having led a pretty typical childhood, Joyce attended the local schools where she made many friends. She was forced to wear eyeglasses, and became quite conscious about how she looked in them. Following her graduation from Muskegon Heights High School, Joyce found work of her own as a mail clerk at Shaw Box. It was here that she met Michael Panici, a strapping young man who would change her life forever. Always one to be a fast walker, Mike often teased Joyce that she must have on roller skates as she whizzed by during her deliveries. It was pretty much love at first sight, and a romance soon developed. They loved dancing together to the sounds of the big bands, and enjoyed time with friends. There was no denying their growing love for one another, and were soon blessed in marriage on Valentines Day, February 14, 1942. As time went on, their love would continue to grow into a lifetime, spanning 65 years. Later that year, daughter Nancy came along. With World War II raging, Mike decided to enlist, serving in the U.S. Navy. Joyce and Nancy went to stay with Joyces mother. Following his return home to Muskegon, the young couple reunited, and ready to once again begin their life together. Mike was blessed to have come from a close knit family, and his four brothers helped him build their first home. Many memories were made in the home on Highland Avenue, where they soon welcomed daughter Patricia, born in 1948. Now Joyce felt complete, and was living everything she had hoped for, experiencing the all American family of the 1950s. Mike worked two jobs to make a comfortable living for Joyce and the girls, seeing to it that they had everything they needed. Joyce relished being at home, and was a wonderful mother and homemaker. With two girls in the family, their home was often filled with friends as well. Somewhat of a perfectionist, she kept a very neat, tidy and clean house. So much so that one could almost eat right off the floors! Joyce was also very attentive and proud of her appearance. Her hair was always coiffed, and she was certain to have her lipstick on. Joyce personified a woman of the times, carrying herself with grace, dignity, and elegance. Faith was a source of deep strength in Joyces life and was devout to her religion. They raised their family in the Catholic faith, and continued to be longtime, dedicated members at St. Jeans. Mike and Joyce made it a point, regularly kneeling together in evening prayer, a fact that no doubt sanctified their continued devotion to one another. A Catholic education for their girls was also very important to them, and each of their daughters attended the area Catholic Schools. Cherished memories were made as a family when each summer they made a family trip up north to Traverse City, attending the annual Cherry Festival. Nearly every Saturday night, Joyce and Mike spent time with a regular group of friends playing bridge. Joyce also found time to join a ladies bowling league on Wednesday evenings. When the girls were grown and had families of their own, she and Mike took up the sport of golf, playing together quite often. Joyce even got a hole in one once. When grandchildren came into her life, Joyce was delighted. They have fond memories of fun times spent with their grandparents, and playing golf. Joyce was also a big fan of the Detroit Tigers. Their later years provided travel opportunities as well, enjoying memorable trips with their longtime bridge friends, Bud and Marian Hemphill. They visited Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas, proving to be a wonderful time for all. When the casinos came to the area, Joyce became quite fond playing the slot machines, and usually came home a winner. Mike would often take Joyce for an excursion up to the casinos, even though he never gambled. Ever so dedicated to one another, Joyce and Mike remained very much in love and instilled in their family the importance of togetherness. They were a shining example of a committed marriage based on faith and respect. They eventually moved to Roosevelt Park, buying a home on Germaine Street. It was here that Joyce prepared wonderful holiday gatherings, surrounded by her loving family. During these family get-togethers, Joyce was sure to take the opportunity to make a speech about how much she loved her family, and how much they each meant to her. As the years went on, Joyce had her share of medical challenges. She acquired a few back problems that required surgery, and suffered from severe arthritis. At one point, she needed knee surgery, and even fought a bout with cancer. During these times, Joyce relied on her faith, along with the love and support from her family, finding strength through it all. As always, her beloved Mike was right at her side, tending to her needs as well as taking over the household chores. Eventually, Alzheimers began to take over, and Joyces memory began to fade. The disease never dampened her dry wit and great sense of humor though. In 2006, Joyce suffered the loss of her lifelong love and companion when Mike died. This proved to be very difficult for Joyce, and was truly a devastating time for her. An eventual move to Christian Care Nursing Center eased the struggles of daily living for Joyce. It was here that she was surrounded by a caring and wonderful staff who looked after her. Sadly, Joyce died on Thursday, February 26, 2009, at the age of 87. Although saddened by her home going, Joyces family finds comfort knowing that Joyce and her beloved Mike are together once again, reunited in heaven. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Patricia Swisher; grandchildren, Debbie (Trent) Paynich, Michelle (Mike) Lovse, Michael McCallum, Marissa Swisher and Zach Swisher; great-grandchildren, Brooke Lovse and Jada Lovse; her brothers-in-law, Lewis Panici and Augie Panici; sister-in-law, Mary (Bud) Swanson, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy McCallum in 2008 and sister, Marguerite Larson. A funeral mass to celebrate the life of Joyce Marie Panici will be held on Monday, March 2, 2009, 11:00 AM at St. Jeans Baptiste Catholic Church with Fr. Norm Droski officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends and family will gather for visitation on Sunday from 2-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon and one half hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Christian Care Nursing Center Building Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or sign her online guest book.