Joyce Isabelle Peeke

Joyce Peeke, of Cottonwood, Arizona, died November 15, 2023 of natural causes, just 21 days before her 92nd birthday. She is survived by three children and three grandchildren. 

She was born in Chicago, IL and was a graduate of University of Illinois in 1953, far less common for women back then. She married Bruce, her high school sweetheart, and had 3 wonderful children. With Bruce’s untimely death in 1977, she successfully raised the family as a single mom.   

Joyce worked for Time magazine in Chicago, was a realtor and broker for most of her career in Naperville, IL, moved to Tempe, AZ in 1995, and was the office manager for the city of Chandler, AZ’s water treatment plant.  

Family was vitally important to Joyce, something instilled by her parents to their eight children. She so enjoyed hosting yearly niece reunions and the uncountable family visits filled with games, laughter, and Wii Rock Band, Golf and Bowling.  

Joyce found such pleasure in reading mysteries, bargain shopping, crossword puzzles, crocheting, watching British TV shows, trivia games, and jigsaw puzzles.  

She was smart and funny, a loving and nurturing mother, mentor, successful manager, good listener, and impression maker. She was objective and always gave solid advice. She saw the good in people and would tell them all about it, making them feel better than if they hadn’t spoken with her.  

Joyce was witty - oh was she witty! - right to the very end.  

You want to surround yourself with people like Joyce.  She was the kind of person you look up to, admire, want to be with, want to be more like. The world needs more Joyces. 

Joyce’s family would especially like to share their gratitude to the Cottonwood Village caregivers and AZ Life Hospice for their exceptional kindness, care, and support.

Joyce made monthly donations to PBS. Those wanting to honor her memory can make a memorial donation at http://www.supportpbsfoundation.pbs.org

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