Joyce Williams, 74

At the age of 74, Joyce Williams passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2016, surrounded by her loving family in Encinitas, California. With grace and strength Joyce withstood an unexpected illness until she was ready to join her loved ones that had passed before her.

Joyce was born on Sept. 16, 1942, in Jamestown, New York, to Alberta and Gerald Chapman. Later, the family moved to the high plains of Wyoming where she spent her youth. Her younger brother, Harry Chapman, now of Phoenix, Arizona, completed their family.

Joyce attended college at the University of Wyoming where she earned a bachelor’s of social work degree. She also met and married Mike McAuliffe. The young couple soon started a family, raising their children in the suburbs of Los Angeles and the big sky country of Kalispell.

Joyce pursued a career in social work in Los Angeles and Kalispell for 25 years. She worked tirelessly in efforts to provide families and children the necessary resources for safe, nurturing living environments. In her work and personal life Joyce upheld strong values and ethics. She had a great appreciation for diversity, social and economic justice. As a loving mother, Joyce also raised her own children to recognize and help others in need.

Known to many as a vibrant, bright, independent, spirited woman, Joyce experienced life deeply. Joyce loved the cinema, relished bodysurfing at her favorite beaches, danced with abandon in Zumba class, enjoyed live concerts, oil-painted coastal landscapes, and most of all adored her grandchildren, and was always a tender, loving presence in their lives.

Over her lifetime Joyce touched the lives of many through her generosity, sense of humor, tenderness and understanding. She will be missed greatly and remembered in our hearts forever.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Alberta and Gerald Chapman, and her husband and soulmate, Rod Williams. She is survived by her brother, Harry Chapman; her children and their spouses, Amanda and Mitchell Gamache, Mike and Carolyn McAuliffe, and Gary and Mary Maloncon; her grandchildren, Erika and Julia Gamache, Michael McAuliffe II, and Gary and Mariah Maloncon; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

In celebration of her life, memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 23436 Madero, Suite 140, Mission Viejo, California 92691. We welcome all to join.