Joyce Marie Kimsey

1936 - 2021

Joyce Marie Kimsey obituary, 1936-2021, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1936

DIED

2021

Joyce Kimsey Obituary


JOYCE MARIE (FANNING) KIMSEY
March 6, 1936 ˜ April 1, 2021

Joyce was born to Everett and Evelyn (Patzman) Fanning on her family’s farm in Hebron, NE. Her family moved to a dairy farm in Cathlamet, WA, and then to Vancouver, WA, where Joyce graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1954.
In 1955 Joyce married Lewis Neil Kimsey. They would have celebrated 66 years together in May.
Joyce completed a floral design course at Clark College and worked at Luepke’s Florist, and later as a wholesale and wedding florist. During high school she worked as an usher at the Broadway Theater in Vancouver. Later, she was a model and sales associate at Charles F. Berg in Portland.
Family camping, water and snow skiing trips, serving as a Cub Scout Den mother, attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and hosting holiday dinners were some of the things Joyce loved. Her grandchildren enjoyed sleepovers that included craft projects and movie nights. She was a talented seamstress and an animal lover.
Joyce had a “can-do” attitude, strong work ethic and was very athletic. She dug by hand an extension of the patio including a fire pit. She drove her kids to skiing lessons on Mt. Hood, thought it looked fun and taught herself how to ski. After not water skiing for many years she got up on one ski on her first attempt.
She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Ronald Fanning. She is survived by her husband, Neil of Vancouver; sister, Margie Hammon of Vancouver; her children, D’Alene Kimsey White (John) of Lincoln City, OR, Steven of Ridgefield, WA, Greg (Gayle), Doug (Debbie) and Curt, all of Vancouver; and special niece, Wendy Ruffier (Phil) of Half Moon Bay, CA; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Thanks to the kind and caring Kaiser Hospice staff, particularly Heather, Lynette and Kendal. Also, deepest appreciation to our father Neil and brother Curt for the care that allowed Joyce to remain at home during her final days.
Joyce has continued serving others by donating her body to OHSU for study. A service will be held at a later date. Please sign the guest book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Apr. 11, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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Neil and family ... I am so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. I spoke to her around Thanksgiving time ... she said she felt like her body was quitting on her :o( Joyce holds a very special place in my heart ... she was my mother, Donna Leeper Anderson's best friend when they were growing up in Vancouver. Donna and Joyce moved to the big city of Portland to work at Bergs and had an apartment together. Though they didn't get together very often, Donna always enjoyed their phone calls and visits ... took her back to fun adventures of their youth.

Joyce did the flowers for my wedding 36 years ago as a gift ... they were lovely. She was so full of spunk and so fun to be around. She will definitely be missed. Hugs to you all.

Lori Anderson Samsel

Friend

May 4, 2021

Neil, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your wife. Sounds like she was such a special and gifted person. You were lucky to have each other for so many years. I hope you remember me from auto licensing many years ago. Hugs to you and condolences to your family.

Denise Schauer Warner

Acquaintance

May 1, 2021

My Mother-in-Law Joyce Kimsey truly subscribed to the saying "Not losing a son but gaining a daughter".
When I married her son Greg almost 41 years ago, she welcomed me into the family with open arms and treated me like one of her own. My own Mom passed away 29 years ago, so for the longest time she has been the only Mother I had, and only Grandmother to our children as they were growing up.
Thank you Joyce, for all your love and care for our family and our extended family over the years. You will be missed.

Gayle Sullivan Kimsey

Family

April 22, 2021

It's been several years since we all went camping north of Hoodsport. We always had a great time. I am so sorry for the loss to Joyce's family and to her closest friends.

Dianne Gish-Houseman

Friend

April 17, 2021

I didn't know Joyce well, but I do know Neil, Greg and D'Alene and she was a wonderful wife and mother to them. My heart goes out to all those left without her. It hurts so badly to lose those we love!

Betty Sue Morris

Daughter

April 15, 2021

Condolences to all of Joyce’s family. What a great legacy she left behind! Sending all of our thoughts and prayers to her family. Sincerely, Dave and Sandy McGinnis

Sandy McGinnis

Acquaintance

April 13, 2021

Neil, I was saddened to read that Joyce has passed away. I have such wonderful memories of the two of you as I was growing up. I know Mom and Dad thoroughly enjoyed your company for many years as well. Thanks for those memories.

Jim Brown

Neighbor

April 12, 2021

Dear Greg, Neil and family. We were so sorry for the passing of your mother and wife. Our sincerest condolences for your loss.

John & Debbie Deane

Friend

April 11, 2021

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