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Joyce Raphael Obituary

JOYCE MARGARET RAPHAEL
April 29, 1920 ~ March 23, 2011

Joyce Margaret Raphael went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while staying at the Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, WA. She was nearly 91, or as she would have put it, "Just shy of the 62nd anniversary of my 29th birthday." It's not a coincidence that Elizabeth Taylor died the same day, both were superstars in their own ways. Joyce was born in Niawa, MN where she lived on a farm and was raised by her grandmother, Electa Ann Dudley. At age seven she was reunited with her mother, Alberta (Dudley) Hooks, and helped raise three sisters during the Great Depression. She attended grades 1-8 in (literally) a one-room schoolhouse in Lake George, MN and worked during high school as a maid and dishwasher in a Park Rapids, MN hotel.
Following high school she worked bussing tables, as a dishwasher, cashier and waitress at various restaurants and then as an office worker for various firms.
In the early 1940s she moved to Spokane, WA and installed instruments in B-17, B-25 and B-29 bombers at Farragut Naval Station in nearby Athol, Idaho.
After WW II, Joyce bought, sold and operated a small grocery store and three restaurants. The last one, the Coffee Pot Café, located in Spokane, WA, is where she met Joe who became the love of her life. In 1950 they married in Cour de Lane, ID to get around the 3-day Washington waiting period.
In 1951, they moved to California where Joe got a job at UCLA. The following year Danny, Joyce's only son, was born. From 1955-1965 she worked at Collins Engineering, an aircraft parts supplier. On weekends she relished taking her son to the beach, swimming lessons, Little League games and accordion lessons. (Really!)
To be closer to family, the Raphael's moved to Vancouver in 1965 where Joyce lived ever since.
She went back to work in 1967 as a bookkeeper at Country Gas in Hazeldell, then as office managers for Vancouver's Pay-N'Takit Stores and the Vancouver law firm of Boetcher, LaLonde and Klaweno.
In 1996 she took on the long awaited role of "Grandma Joyce" when granddaughter Ali was born, followed in 1998 by grandson Nathaniel. She made regular bus trips to North Bend, WA to visit the grandkids of whom she was very, very proud.
She was a member of the Shiloh Fellowship Church and over the years developed a deep relationship with Pastor Jerry Thurston and his wife, Mary.
Joyce enjoyed planting and working her vegetable garden each year as well as tending to plants and flowers on her property.
Joyce is survived by son, Danny; daughter-in-law, Lisa; and grandkids, Alexandra Joyce ("Ali") and Nathaniel Richard of North Bend, WA; niece Vicki Bricker; and nephew, Roger Frye, both of Spokane.
She was preceded in death by Joe, her husband of nearly 45 years; sisters, Patricia Combs, Beulah ("Boots") Kadow and Marilyn Boyce; and step-son, Donald ("Larry").
At 3 p.m., Saturday, April 2, there will be a memorial service celebrating Joyce's life followed by a reception at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 Northeast 112th Avenue in Vancouver.
In lieu of flowers, Joyce requested donations be sent in her name to the American Cancer Society or Shiloh Fellowship Church, 10709 Southeast 10th Street, Vancouver, WA, 98664.
Please sign Joyce's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 27, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Raphael

Not sure what to say?





Dear Mom:

Happy 62nd anniversary of your 29th birthday.

I really miss you.

I missed you on Easter. I'll miss you on Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I miss your smile. I miss your laugh. I miss our talks at the kitchen table. I miss your advice which was usually, but not always right. I miss our bets that I frequenly won. I miss drinking mochas and eating hamburgers with you. I miss your hugs and whispers of love and affection in my ear. I miss seeing you light up when Ali, Nathaniel and Lisa walk into a room.

"Thank you" seems so inadequate for all you did for me growing up, but I know you'll know what I mean.

You said to me many times, "Daniel, you'll never know how much I love you." I actually do know, because I feel the same amount of love for you in return.

I'm glad you're now with Jesus and no longer in pain. You didn't deserve that.

Give Dad a BIG hug for me and pets to Puppy, Moosie, Lobo, Hobo, Mike, Scamper and Danny Dog.

This isn't "Good-bye," as Pastor Charlie put it. It's "I'll see you later." I'll see you in heaven.

Love forever and longer,

Your Son,

Danny Joe Raphael

aka "Daniel Joseph" when I'd say something off color that made you laugh. :-)

- - - - -

Danny Joe Raphael

April 26, 2011

We wish the family our heartfelt love and support. My mother Jackie Bogh Farrier and Joyce have been in contact many times over the years. She had just talked with her about getting information on the Niawa Post Office in Donnelly, MN. We have been working on the Bogh family history and there was a Maynard Dudley working on the Dudley side in Minnesota. Then we heard the news and neither Jackie (Evelyn Dudley Bogh's daughter) or Kathy Forrest (Jackie's oldes daughter were able to complete her request for information. Our favorite story is the the one where each year she'd climb up on the roof for her birthday and get her picture up there. Jackie asked why she did that - "Because I still can!"

Kathy Forrest

April 13, 2011

Joyce & I had several lunches together during the years she worked for Pay'n Takit and B,L&K. We continued phone conversations after her retirement and even a few times since I retired and moved to Eastern Washington. She was a remarkable person and so much fun to visit with. Yes she LOVED her WHOLE family and just sparkled when talking about her son and grandchildren.....

Beverly Cobb

April 3, 2011

Great Auntie Joyce will surely be missed, what a privilege to know and love her. I will miss her telling me that I was her favorite! But I bet she told all her favorites that! I will also miss her sending me mail! One day I will see her again, in Heaven. Sending my love to all who loved her. God Bless!

Robin McCrocklin

March 31, 2011

From the moment I popped my head into her tiny door, Joyce "had me at hello." Her sparkling eyes commanded authority and respect, and you knew that despite her small size, she was a mightly force of love, faith, laughter and wisdom. Once she sat you down in her kitchen chair, she'd stare you right in the eye and you knew you better just buckle up and enjoy the ride. She also had this look that said if you were good, she'd let you in on her little secret. But there was no secret, per se. Just a marvelous woman who often remarked on what a "wonderful" life she had, which flourished with incredible blessings, most of all, her family.

I will never forget this wonderful, remarkable woman. It was a privilege to be her caregiver, no matter how briefly. Most importantly, I will never forget the first thing she taught me:

Relax...
God is in control.

Luann Lakemeyer

March 31, 2011

Joyce was a amazing woman and will be missed by all. She was always warm and welcoming with stories to share. One of my favorite memories I have of Joyce was the day of Danny's baptism in the Snoqualmie river and how proud she was of her son, her love of her family was so clear and strong. It was a day I will never forget. We love and miss you.

Kim Paulsen

March 29, 2011

Auntie Joyce, We will miss you so very much. We'll miss your phone calls.

Mary and Bob Biermeier

March 28, 2011

We are lighting a candle in memory of beloved Joyce. We thank God for the honor of caring for such a precious woman who was a shining example of faith & love for family to us here. Rest in peace precious one!
Blessings to her family from us all.
Family Care Services, Inc.

MaryAnn Shaw

March 28, 2011

Joyce was the rock at BLKR&J law firm. When she retired we were never able to fill her very large shoes--a testament to what a great person she was in both her professional and personal lives. It was the end of an era when Joyce left.

c

March 28, 2011

I had the honor of calling her GREAT AUNTIE for the short term of 39 years. When my kids came along that made her a GREAT GREAT AUNTIE and great she was and will always be. I addressed an envelope to here as GREAt GREAT AUNTIE JOYCE with underlines and she framed it because she was so proud to be loved as an auntie.

She was always a gentle reminder to appreciate the small things in life and always love those around you.

My life is better for knowing her. She was kind, courageous, loving, hilarious and a flat out inspiration. She will be missed her on this earth. I can't wait to see her again in heaven. Love you forever my greatest great great auntie that ever was.

Jessie Krause

March 27, 2011

We first met Joyce and Joe Raphael sometime in 1954, most likely the summer of that year when we moved to West Los Angeles. Her son, Danny, was my best childhood friend and we developed a long-time friendship with them all. I remember Joyce as always being a warm, friendly, classy lady with lots of wisdom to share, and a positive outlook on life. We all loved her and will miss her terribly.

Gene Heikkola

March 27, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting Joyce in September 2010. I spent 3 months as one of her caregivers... I think she took more care of me then I did her. lol But that was Joyce, always taking care of everyone. I enjoyed every moment I spent with her and all of the stories she told me. She hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget her. Rest in peace Joyce... you are home now. <3

Kari Cozad

March 27, 2011

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