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Joyce Ellen Ellingson
1951–2020
Our dear Joyce passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening, October 10, 2020 with son Kevin and husband Bruce at her side, just hours shy of her 69th birthday. Diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer of the pancreas and liver 4 ½ years ago, Joyce faced it all with quiet, resilient strength and a smile. She never asked, “Why me?” Cancer may have taken her body, but it did not conquer her spirit.
Her life was defined by kindness, love, humility, and grace. She was a constant loving presence with a deep, abiding commitment for her family. Joyce always put others first. She adored her two big brothers and their families and cherished the family get-togethers. In recent years, she talked to her mother virtually every day. But the biggest loves of her life were her children, Kjersten and Kevin. She advocated for them, nurtured them, and was a wonderful model of kindness and gentleness.
Joyce was born to Stanley and Inez Elliott in Spooner, WI on October 11, 1951. She graduated from Spooner High School and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Joyce worked as a medical technologist and later as a certifying scientist at Medtox Laboratories for many years, where she loved the diverse group of people she worked with.
Singing and music were always a big part of Joyce’s life, from high school choir and triple trio to church choirs and bell choirsat Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth and now at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. A familiar sound around the house was her voice at the piano, as she worked through her part in a new piece of music.
She cultivated deep and steadfast friendships, sharing in their highs and caring for them in the lows. She would often send encouraging texts and notes that seemed to arrive at just the right time. Solace and restoration always came from hiking the Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior. A special place throughout her married life, the Big Lake’s presence invariably worked its magic when we needed it most. We will find her there again.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 43 years BruceEllingson; son Kevin Ellingson and wife Molly Eagen; dear mother Inez Elliott; brothers Roger (Ellen) Elliott and Robert (Wendy) Elliott; nephews Mark (Ann) Elliott, Aaron (Danica)Elliott, and Jesse Ellingson Diaz, niece Lisa (Chris) Miller; and sister-in-law Karen Ellingson; as well as great-nieces Morgan, Cecelia, Clarice, and Idra; and great-nephews Levi and Ty. She is preceded in death by daughter Kjersten Marie, grandsons William David and Nelson Sidney, father Stanley Elliott, and niece Iliana Ellingson Diaz.
Our deepest thanks to the personnel at Allina Health Hospice and Minnesota Oncology. We are forever indebted for the kind, compassionate care provided our beloved Joyce.
Due to current restrictions, a private memorial service will be held Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN with interment following in the Central Lutheran Church columbarium. Visit the Central Lutheran website at www.centralmpls.org and follow the links for live streaming of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be directed to Central Lutheran Church-Music or the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (www.netrf.org).
www.Gearty-Delmore.com
Robbinsdale Chapel 763-537-4511 https://www.gearty-delmore.com/obituary/joyce-ellingson
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Jeff Nelson
I got to know Joyce a bit better over the last years, usually talking on phone and encouraging her to come to a class reunion . Chatting with her at reunions . And I also texted her a few times , and was involved in several zoom chats with her, which helped to get to know her better. She was very nice, very upbeat , very intelligent , and a very brave and courageous individual. I consider it a real privilege to have known her . My condolences to her husband Bruce , and her family and friends .
Colleen Cipra (Haines)
When I think of Joyce I only have positive thoughts. She was a beautiful, very bright person. I had the privilege of being in triple trio with her in high school. It was great to see her at our last class reunion. My sympathy to her family for the loss of such a precious person!
Sherry Thompson (Paffel)
Sincere sympathy to Joyce's family. I am so glad I was able to chat with her on one of the zoom chats. Joyce was always so kind and could remain calm when everyone else was upset with the typical school drama. I cannot remember a time she was not carrying a ton of books walking down the school hallway, which most likely is the reason she was our Valedictorian♥️
Joyce, you were a kind and gracious soul, your courage was admirable. Rest In Peace. 🌹
Dave Davenport
We are deeply saddened once more as our Brightest Star has passed my Prayers go out to her Family Rest in Peace
Julie Hummel (McMerty)
Joyce was a wonderful warm presence in our high school class. Her level headed common sense, her intelligence, her compassion and her maturity inspired me. I got to meet with Joyce again the last couple of years when we had lunch together. She spoke lovingly and proudly of her husband, son, daughter and grandsons. The tragedy that befell Joyce and her family shorty after that was, as we all know, horrific. I talked to Joyce at the funeral and after. Her loving presence, strength and grace during and after the tragedy was amazing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Joyce will be missed by so many!
Stacy Holmstrom (Noll)
A life well lived that touched and inspired so many, what a beautiful legacy and great loss. She will be long remembered by all who knew her. Reunited now with her daughter, may she rest in peace. Sincere condolences to family and friends