Shirley L Joyce

Shirley L. Joyce (Fellencer) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 in Naples, FL where she has resided since 1985. She had just celebrated her 91st birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Major Danna Joyce, USMC Ret., who passed away in 2009. Shirley is survived by her sister, Emma Jean Waltz of Williamsport, PA; her three children: Linda (Stan) Kurcz, Naperville, IL; Darrel (Nora) Joyce, East Grand Rapids, MI; and Debbie Richardson (CJ), Naples, FL; her seven grandchildren: Chris Richardson (Andrea); Stefanie (Brett) Kroeze; Bobby (Amber) Richardson; Lauren (Nick) Sillies; Abby (Andy) Glover; Sam (Kellie) Joyce; and Michael (Brittany) Richardson; 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley was the oldest daughter of Barnet and Beulah (Heller) Fellencer born February 13, 1931, at home in Cherry Valley, Stroudsburg, PA. She attended the one-room Bell School located next to her family farm, Stroudsburg High School and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. It was in Philadelphia where she met Danna, who she married upon graduation, and began her life as a military spouse. While raising her family, she pursued her nursing career in patient care and staff development in many locations around the country. It was patient care that she loved most about her profession and was proud to maintain her license into her late 70’s.

Shirley had a lifelong enthusiasm for sewing and knitting. In retirement, Shirley had time for her hobbies and took many classes in garment sewing, quilting and embroidery. She was always making something for herself, her children, grandchildren, or the Crafty Ladies Craft Circle at East Naples United Methodist Church. She co-chaired the group for several years making items for sale in their Gift Shop and at craft shows.

Shirley and Dan loved traveling and visited friends and family around the country in their Roadtrek van. Family was always very important to them as well as keeping up with longtime friends.

Visitation will be held 6:30-8:00pm, Tuesday, April 5, and 10-11:00am Wednesday, April 6, at Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home, 401 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg, PA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 6 at the funeral home with Rev. Paul Crikelair officiating. Burial will follow in Laurelwood Cemetery, Stroudsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=giving_hero&c_src=giving_hero or Rubysrainbow.org: https://rubysrainbow.org/donate/

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