Joyce L. Goodrich

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Joyce Louise (Notter) Goodrich, 66, passed away peacefully in her home in Gaylord, surrounded by her family, on July 22, 2020, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on September 17, 1953, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Harold and Esther (Meyer) Notter. Joyce’s greatest joys were her faith, her family, and her friends.

On May 20, 1972, Joyce married the love of her life, Michael Goodrich. As newlyweds, they lived in Clare, followed by Traverse City, and then settled in Gaylord. Through the years, they welcomed three wonderful children. After the children went to school, Joyce returned to the workforce and spent many years working in healthcare.

Known for her contagious, memorable laugh and constant smile, Joyce affected so many lives. She had a way of making people feel loved and part of the family. Her faith was evident in her actions. She was very active in her church, Trinity Lutheran. From teaching Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday School to Altar Care and playing the organ, the most rewarding was her involvement with Stephen Ministry. Many friendships grew through different Bible study groups as well.

Singing was a great source of happiness throughout Joyce’s life. She loved competing with Sweet Adelines, singing in her church choir, performing in various small group choirs, and harmonizing with family.

Joyce enjoyed traveling with Mike on business trips, as well as for pleasure. Some of her favorite destinations included Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Disney World. She loved camping and family vacations on the lake.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 48 years, Michael, and her children, Aaron (Elizabeth) Goodrich of Gaylord, Gabriel (Martha) Goodrich of Mt. Pleasant, and Andrea (Michael) Gastmeier of Clinton Twp.; grandchildren, Megan, Isabel, Casson, Tanner, Zoe, Ainsley, and Keane; siblings, Barbara (James) Perrine, Brenda (Joseph) Hart, and Kenneth (Anna) Notter. She is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews, and friends she loved as family.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Esther Notter; brother, Dwight Notter; mother-in-law, Shirley Goodrich; and father-in-law, Robert Goodrich.

Throughout her entire life, she was a living example of faith over fear.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Otsego Memorial Hospital Cancer and Infusion Center at 701 N. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI, 49735, or, Trinity Lutheran Church at 1354 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI, 49735.

Please see instructions in comments on how to live stream the service on your smart device through CommunO2.

Arrangements entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, Inc. P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

22 comments on “Joyce L. Goodrich”

  1. To view the service- First, download the app “CommunO2”, then select Community->Key Communities->Gaylord MI->Faith/Spirituality in Gaylord->Trinity Lutheran. This will only be available LIVE at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020.

  2. Joyce was such a firecracker! I adored her very much. I only got to know her over this past year, but know wholeheartedly that she was the kind of woman I can only hope to be. She was full of love, faith, and laughter. We spoke many times about how much she loved the lord and her family. I pray that you all find comfort knowing that she loved you dearly. All my love. I am so sorry for your loss.

  3. My beautiful, loving and joyful friend. I am one of the lucky people to have been able to be with you for 45 years. Our times together I will cherish until I get to see you again. Our walks and talks during the years were so special to me when we lived in Clare. Even though the miles separated us later in life we always picked up right where we left off. The memories keep flooding my mind and you were more than my BFF. A sister from another mother. Rest In Peace my friend and know how much you were loved by me. Though it is time to let you go in Fathers hands I know that a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.💞

  4. MeLissa G Olson

    To the Goodrich family, I never saw Joyce when she was not laughing or smiling, even when she things were tough. She will always bring a ray of sunshine when I recall her laugh. Thank you for sharing your mom with our community.

    Grief never leaves us, but love guides us through the journey. Some days will be harder, but others will be easier, sometimes love will flow down your cheeks and sometimes it will flow out your mouth in laughter at shared memory. But for certain … Joyce will never be forgotten, she lived too much love.

  5. I had the pleasure of knowing Joyce through her work in health care. Always a welcoming and friendly smile, and always took the time to get to know people and make them feel special. Her smile and laugh were genuine and contagious!

  6. Tom and Sue Gastmeier

    Always a smile and her special laugh. She brought sunshine wherever she was. Rest In Peace, Joyce, will never forget you!

  7. Our friendship didn’t begin until age “40” but it was a great “26” yrs of fun! You fought a great fight against this cruel cancer. I will miss you forever, but I’m sure you have everyone laughing in heaven🤪💔🙏

  8. Jeanie Kelsey Howard

    Joyce brought me a lot of joy thru our love of singing. She had a beautiful deep resonant voice that you could feel when you stood next to her. I had the privilege of singing for the lord with her in both the church choir and our small group, Infinate Praise. We shared a lot of good times in sweet adelines during practice, performances and competitions. I’ll never forget you my friend. Rest in peace.

  9. Sue & Dirk Sawusch

    Goodrich family much love and prayers for you all. Such a wonderful family group. So sorry for your loss

  10. Missy Gapinski

    So very sorry for your families loss! Joyce was a very sweet lady and enjoyed her and her contagious kindness.
    She will be missed by many!

  11. My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce’s family and friends. Joyce was a very special Lady! She was always so happy and loved to laugh! If only we had more people like Joyce in this world, it would be a wonderful world! Please know that Joyce will be missed so very much!

  12. barbara switalski

    Aaron, Gabe and Andrea,
    Your mom was a remarkable woman. She supported the our community in so many ways. I was impressed by her support of the education of her children. I experienced what a great mom that she was and know you too have so many wonderful memories to cherish. We used to talk at the pool. May God hold your family in the palm of his hand. God hand picks his angels.

  13. kathleen Sweeney Bulger

    I know there are no words when a loss this huge occurs, but I know the Goodrich family. They have demonstrated their family strength and a fierce faith in God. I send my deepest and most sincere condolences.

  14. Shirlee Andrews

    Aaron (Beth), I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Your are in my thoughts during this sad time. May Gods love comfort you and your family.

  15. So sad to hear this. I babysat Aaron and Gabe when they were babies in Clare. Loved Joyce’s laugh and kindness. Hugs to the family!

  16. Dee Gutowski-Smith

    Mike and Family.
    We know what you have all been through. We know what Joyce endured. Mike, it will be lonely days ahead.
    Take care of each other and hold Joyce close in your hearts. Wendell & Dee Smith

  17. My first memories of Joyce are when I was her Sunday School teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clare, MI. Her life lived for Jesus was a blessing to so many. God’s Blessings to the Goodrich and Notter families.

  18. Ursula and Alex pruss

    Beth and Aaron, you and your family are in our prayers, may your mom rest in peace with no more pain. Our love to all of you at this sad time.

  19. Marilyn Lingenfelter

    Joyce was a wonderful lady inside and out. She was a joy to sing with in Sweet Adelines. My sincere sympathy goes out to Joyce’s family and friends. I know all of you, as do I, have joyful memories of dear Joyce to hang on to.

  20. To the Goodrich family my heart is hurting for you. The dear Lord took one of the best. Your Wife / Mother / Grandmother Was just that “THE BEST “ I worked with Joyce for years I have never meet anyone as happy go lucky as her.. She was always a highlight in my day and after we both left the employer we would bump into each other and it was like we had just seen each other the day before, even though it had been years. Joyce you have fought the fight and achieved the ultimate gift. Will miss you and I want to thank you for being my friend. Till we meet again . Love you Laura

  21. George and Margaret Punches

    We knew Joyce and her family growing up at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Clare. She and her family were great friends of ours and will always be remembered. So sorry to hear of your loss but know she is with Jesus.

  22. Jerry and Pat Moran

    Joyce always shared a smile and the pride she had for her family. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to her while volunteering at OMH. We will all miss her.

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