Joyce Pickard

Joyce Darlene Pickard, 81, of Traverse City, died Monday, January 7, 2019 at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

She was born on December 27, 1938 in Traverse City the daughter of William John and Nellie Marie ( Richardson) Ritola. Joyce graduated from Traverse Central High School in 1957.

Joyce was a Veteran serving in the US Air Force.

She formerly worked at Burwood Products and retired from Walmart.

Joyce was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading, doing Wordsearch, watching wildlife outside, Animal Planet and talking about the history of Traverse City. Joyce loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Randy) Emeott; grandchildren, Kayla (Charles) Springsteen and Kelsey (Ryan Essenmacher) Emeott; great-grandsons, Sam Springsteen and Beck Emeott; sisters, Janette Hammond and Ricarda (Mike) Bird; brothers, Terry (Gert) Ritola & John (Maureen) Ritola and step-daughters, Cheryl Stoll and Corinna (Dana Garner) Pickard as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chester Pickard, sister, Barbara Hahnenberg and step-son, Jeff Pickard.

The family would like to thank the Aspen team at the Grand Traverse Pavilions and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful and loving care they provided to Joyce.

Per her request, cremation services have been accorded with no public services scheduled. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grand Traverse Pavilions or Heartland Hospice, Traverse City. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thought with the family and more. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home.