Janet A. Joyce

Janet Alma (Johnson) Joyce

February 8, 1941 – May 23, 2020

Janet A. Joyce, 79, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas R. Joyce, formerly of Pittsburgh, P.A.  Janet was daughter of Edwin and Mildred (Frye) Johnson. A life-long resident of East Greenwich, Janet was known for her kind heart, gentle wit, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

Growing up on a small family farm in the River Farm area of EG, Janet graduated as Salutatorian of her class at East Greenwich High School, and went on to earn her Associate’s Degree from Bryant College in 1961. She later earned a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education at URI, graduating in the same year as her daughter Jennifer.

Janet was especially proud of the impact that she had on the lives of hundreds of children in her 29 years as a teacher and 6 years as the Director at the Barbara M. Tufts Cooperative Preschool. Janet also served the town of East Greenwich as the Director of Welfare in the late 80s and early 90s.

Inspired by her Lutheran faith and deep belief in the common good, Janet volunteered her time to many community programs, including Safety Town, The Ecumenical Emergency Loan Fund, The East Greenwich Ecumenical Food Cupboard, The East Greenwich Academy Foundation, Teen Center, and the ReJOYce Thrift Shop, recently renamed in honor of Janet and Tom.

Janet’s family and friends brought her great joy. She is survived by her three daughters and son-in-law, Pam Joyce, Joanne McEvoy and Jennifer and Matthew Wallace, and two grandchildren, Emerson and Amanda. She is also survived by her cherished brother William and sister-in-law Elizabeth Johnson. She will be remembered by all her beloved nieces, nephews and family members in Rhode Island, Massachusetts , Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Kentucky.

Among Janet’s many accomplishments were her pioneering efforts throughout her life to improve support for children and adults with special needs. To honor this legacy, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center (https://trudeaucenter.org/donate/ OR mail to: Trudeau Center, 3445 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886.). Online or mailed donations made for the next 30 days will be accepted in memory of Janet Joyce.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the funeral services are private, however, they will be streamed live at https://funeralstreamingservices.com/previous/ on Monday, June 1st at 11 AM. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

We invite you to collaborate on the creation of a Tribute Video. You can share photos and video messages/condolences by uploading them to this link by CLICKING HERE . Please view this link for tips on what to share and how to record video interviews.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the funeral services are private, however, it will be streamed live on Monday, June 1st at 11 AM. The video can be watched on this page .