Joyce Ann Thomas

Joyce Thomas passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, May 28, 2024. She was at home, surrounded by loved ones. Joyce dedicated her life to the nurturing care of her family, exemplifying a spirit of love and devotion that touched the lives of all who knew her. She raised three generations of her beloved family with great pride, starting with her siblings and ending with her grandchildren. Joyce was an avid reader, extensive traveler, gardener, and dog lover. She cherished time with her sisters at Walloon Lake and going up to her son Jet’s cabin in Boyne City, MI. From her stint as homecoming queen in 1955 to becoming a hometown hero who saved a boy's life after he fell through the ice, she lived all of her 87 years with beauty and grace. Joyce traveled the world, gave the best winks, always knew when the time was right for a martini, and kept us honest with her loving and wry sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by many. Joyce was born on March 9, 1937, in Clinton, Michigan, to Clinton William Hoelzer and Edna Marie (Wackenhut) Hoelzer. She leaves her daughter, Laura Veraldi. She was recently predeceased by her son, John Edward Thomas “Jet”, and her ex-husband, John Conrad Thomas. Joyce is survived by her loving siblings: Shirley Porterfield, Bonnie Buckmaster, William “Butch” Hoelzer, and Thomas Hoelzer. She was predeceased by her siblings John Hoelzer and Susan Underwood. Her grandchildren, Courtney Veraldi, Tavi Veraldi, Lucy Chadwick, Charlotte Thomas, Grace Rother, Cody Chadwick, Lewis Veraldi, her great-grandchild Blair Chadwick, and many nieces and nephews have loved her deeply and dearly. She will be especially missed by her best friend Ellen. Family and friends may visit from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home on Saturday, July 6, 2024. There will be an open-mic time for sharing stories and memories that will take place from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To share a memory you have of Joyce, to sign her guestbook, or for directions, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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Joyce Ann Thomas

March 9, 1937 - May 28, 2024