Joyce Conklin Clark, 99, passed away May 30, 2025 at Shadow Mountain Care supported by Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ.
A “Celebration of Life” was held June 6 at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Phoenix, AZ.
A graveside service will be held on August 23, 2025, at 11 a.m.,at Knauss Cemetery, 49036 Copeland Road, Coldwater, MI.
Immediately after, a luncheon and a second “Celebration of Joyce’s Life” will be held.
Joyce was born May 3, 1926, in Branch County MI on her Grandparent’s farm. She was the second of three daughters of Carlton and Alberta Conklin. Her mother named her Joyce; she was her great “Joy” as her first child died young. Joyce continued to bring “JOY” to all throughout her life. Joyce’s joyful photo is of Christmas 2024, when she was surrounded by friends and family.
Joyce has always been very religious and enjoyed playing violin at both church and in the high school orchestra. In 1944, she graduated as a valedictorian from Eastern High School. She then attended Michigan State and graduated with honors with a mathematics major in 1948. Joyce played violin and cello in the orchestra and was on the synchronized swim team.
Math was an unusual degree for women at that time, but she loved it, and she met her husband, Robert E Clark, in one of her classes. They were married in 1947 and had two children, Mark and Barbara. Robert’s career in electrical engineering took them to Erie, PA, Syracuse, NY and finally to Phoenix AZ in 1957.
In Arizona, Joyce was very involved with the kids’ activities and continued with her passions of church, volunteering, education, music, and swimming. In 1967, Joyce received a master’s in education and began substitute teaching in math.
Joyce’s volunteer work over the years included church activities, Cub Scout leader, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, swim instructor, teaching Sunday school at the Phoenix Indian school, managing a Head Start school on the Indian Reservation, Swim instructor for an arthritics group – High Hope Swim Club, provided support for families in the original Hospice Organization, played violin for the PHX Children’s Blind Foundation, tutored children with reading and math problems, and helped elders with their taxes.
Joyce celebrated her 99th birthday in grand style, full of life, enjoying chatting with 30 guests and smiling in every photo. Just three weeks later, while holding her daughter’s hand, she left her body.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Barbara, and son-in-law, Alfred Aschettino, their adult children: Lori and Trevor Fetterman and Andrew and Erin Aschettino, her five great grandchildren: Tyler, Lindsay, Chris, Lexie and Brady, close family: Janice Oltham, April Stout, Terry and Kay Clark, Mike and Susan Clark, Scott and Jenny Clark, Betty Clark, Julie (Clark) Desanto, Robert McNaughton, Tim and Dar McNaughton, Brian and Cindy McNaughton, Sue and Marc Kagan, Ann and Johnny Aqurkis, and a sea of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers contributions to Joyce’s church, EPC, 3839 E Shea Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85028, would be appreciated.
Comments