It is with profound sadness that the family of Joyce Nelson announce her passing into glory on May 19, after a brief illness of lung cancer and heart failure. Her loving family was by her side, caring for her every step of the way. Joyce was dearly loved by her family and all who knew her. She was a beloved and devoted wife to her husband William, for 68 years. She was a mother to six children, a grandmother to fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and expecting four more this year. Joyce attended Catholic Central High School, class of 1949. She went on to graduate from Aquinas College in 1955. She was a former North Park Elementary School teacher, then homemaker, hostess extraordinaire, a lovely and beautiful lady with a servant's heart. She loved to garden, cook, paint, read, sew, and was an avid tennis player. She lived a full life, and her faith and family were most important to her.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband, William Nelson and six children, Peter and (Pam) Nelson, Priscilla and (David) Diephouse, Joylene and (John) Grudzinskas, Blair and (Sarah) Nelson, Brian and (Lynn) Nelson, and Roxanne and (Joseph) Maitner.

Please join us in celebrating her life and funeral mass on Thursday, May 25th at 12 PM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546. One hour of visitation to begin prior to the funeral mass beginning at 11 AM. Friends and relatives may also visit with the family on May 24th from 6 PM to 8 PM at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE. Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Daniel J Donnelly Fund, 2750 Burton St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and Catholic Central High School Tennis Program, 319 Sheldon Blvd Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Interment will be a private, family ceremony.