Joyce Frederick

Joyce "Joy" Louise Frederick was a remarkable woman who lived her faith in God by acts of kindness, compassion and generosity. Not one to give her opinion unless asked, Joyce more readily demonstrated what was important to her in the way she attended to her family and friends. She was warm and friendly, loving and forgiving. By personality and conviction, she reached out to others and made their lives all the more sweet.

Joyce Louise’s story began December 5, 1937 when the world economy was recovering from the Depression even as political matters were stirring in Europe. Americans were inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats and eager to build an economy that benefited all citizens. As with many children during those distressed years, Joyce was born at home on Hermitage Street SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the third child of Hermina (Muste) Hartger. Being the youngest by twelve years, it was perhaps understandable that her father spoiled this little bundle of “Joy,” as she was often called.

Always a very social person, Joyce enjoyed her high school days. She formed friendships that she kept for years, and subsequent school reunions became her opportunity to rekindle those relationships. She was a majorette with the Central High School band, displaying an energy that kept her moving and busy throughout her lifetime.

After graduation, Joyce went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, and already in 1955, she met the man she would marry. Charles "Jim" Frederick was working at a gas station on Fulton and Dennis Streets SE—not far from the Hartger family home—when the two became acquainted. They married on July 26, 1957, but it would be several more years before they began their family. In 1969, the first of their two children was born, and Joyce decided to stay home to care for Dan and later Sheri.

As an easygoing parent, Joyce found it challenging to enforce discipline, yet she kept the house immaculate and taught the children to take responsibility with the chores she assigned. As a family, they traveled throughout Michigan’s “water wonderland,” visiting Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula and visiting Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio. She liked to read, especially religious books and Bible studies and was drawn into television programs like The Young and the Restless soap opera and later Survivor and then Dancing with the Stars. That routine changed somewhat when her husband’s health declined in the late 1990's.

When Jim’s eyesight became too poor for him to work in the mid 80's, Joyce and a friend launched a 20 year career out of what she knew best—housekeeping. During that same time, she was twice diagnosed with breast cancer but survived. In the 1970's, she and Jim moved to Alpine Mobile Home Park, the two of them became the managers for a while and more recently Joyce worked in the office. She volunteered for many years at St. Mary's Living Center (now Sanctuary at St. Mary's) where she escorted residents to their Sunday worship services. She made knitted Christmas stockings for friends, kept up with her nephews and nieces and bowled with friends. All to say, Joyce stayed active and maintained a positive attitude no matter what happened in life.

When her beloved Jim passed away in 2004, it was an adjustment for Joyce who had cared for him for some seven years. However, despite the sadness, she took comfort from her Orchard Hill Church family and the many friends she had made at the park. Whether sitting and chatting on porches or socialize over Wednesday night cards, Joyce could depend on her longtime friendships. In particular, she became very close with her good friend Robbie Volkers.

In recent years, Joyce took bus trips with friends or traveled to see her daughter in Florida. She remained vibrant and active until becoming ill in her last few weeks. On Thursday, October 24, 2013, Joyce went home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Joyce touched the lives of many people who call her mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. To know Joyce was to love her.

Mrs. Joyce "Joy" Louise Frederick, age 75 of Comstock Park, was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Jim" and by her granddaughter, Victoria Grace; her brother, Jay Hartger and sister, Elsie Berends. Joyce is survived by her children, Dan (Carrie) Frederick, Sheri (Chris Estep) Cone; grandchildren Hope, Keith, Kyle, Connor, Austin and Simon; her special friend Robbie Volkers as well as many other friends. A service to remember and celebrate Joyce's life will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 11 AM at Orchard Hill Church, 1465 3 Mile Road NW. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW. Memorial contributions are preferred to either Right to Life or Sanctuary at St. Mary's. To read more about Joy's life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com