Joyce A. Schmalz

April 5, 1935 - April 14, 2014

Joyce A. Schmalz, age 79 of Harbor Beach, passed away April 14, 2014 surrounded by her family. Joyce was born on April 5, 1935 in Port Huron, Michigan to the late Lewis and Phyllis (Stapleford) Christenson. Joyce and Richard Schmalz were united in marriage on October 23, 1954. We celebrate the 59 years Joyce and Richard spent together and the wonderful family they raised. She will be dearly missed by her husband Richard and their 4 children and families, Beth Ann Welker (Alfred) of Harbor Beach, Paul (Theresa) of Valley View, Ohio, Michael (Sharon) of Harbor Beach, Daniel (Rory Murguia) of Aiken, South Carolina as well as her brother Mark Christenson (Ann) of Wales, Michigan. Joyce was so loved by her 7 grandchildren, Jennifer, Andrew, Zachary, Gabriel, Maya, Jade and Leah as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. She is also greatly missed by her Cocker Spaniel, Bailey. Joyce brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. She was devoted to her family and the “favorite” aunt to many. Professionally Joyce was a medical transcriptionist for 45 years, beginning her career at Port Huron General Hospital while her husband was in the US Army stationed in Korea and ending her career with retirement from Huron Medical Center in 1999. Joyce and Richard enjoyed traveling in their motorhome with family and friends. Her most favorite trips were to Sault St. Marie where she could enjoy watching the freighters go by like she did as a child growing up on the St. Clair River. Joyce was an avid bird watcher and loved the blooming of her flowers in the spring. She was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed a good game of “31” with her grandchildren. A celebration of Joyce’s life will take place on May 3, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Harbor Beach at 2pm. Family and friends may gather at the church from 12:30 to the time of service.