Joyce Ruth Ward

Joyce R. Ward, born February 13, 1948, in Newport, Vermont, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, with her husband, sons, and sister by her side. She lived a life filled with love, resilience, and devotion to her family, and she touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Joyce grew up in Vermont and graduated from Orleans High School in 1966, where she excelled as an athlete in many sports but especially basketball. Her early years reflected the determination and spirit that would define her entire life.

After moving to Monmouth County, New Jersey, Joyce spent many years building a career she was proud of. She first worked in sales for Nabisco before reinventing herself as a travel agent—a profession she loved, as it combined her curiosity for the world with her joy in helping others explore it. It was also in New Jersey that she met Doug Ward. The two married on January 2, 1993, beginning a devoted 33-year partnership that lasted until her passing.

In 1999, Joyce moved to Tampa, Florida, to be closer to her sons, Leigh and Randy, and their families. After continuing her travel agent career for a while, true to her adaptable nature, she again embraced a new path by starting her own transcription business, which allowed her to work from home and enjoy the comfort of being close to those she loved. She later retired to Homosassa, Florida, in 2016, where she spent her remaining years doing the things that brought her joy.

Joyce loved the Florida sunshine and the simple pleasures of life on the water. She enjoyed boating, watching her grandchildren snorkel for scallops, spotting manatees, and sharing lunches at local spots along the Homosassa River. Known for her bright sun hats and cheerful outfits, she had a way of lighting up every warm, breezy day.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family—especially her grandchildren. She spent countless days and nights caring for them, never once seeing it as a burden. Time with them was her greatest gift, and she cherished every moment.

Joyce also loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new places with the people she cared about. She recently fulfilled a dream of visiting Ireland and enjoyed many cruises taken in celebration with family and friends—just the way she wanted it.

Joyce lived a good life, rich with love, laughter, and connection. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Ward; her sons, Leigh Rice and Randall Rice, whom she shared with her former spouse, Wayne Rice; her step daughter, Jackie Ward Baker and her husband Fred Baker. She is also survived by her daughters in law, Amanda Rice and Sonya Rice.

She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Ariane and Carter Williams; Madison Rice; Alex and Nina “with baby” Rice; Nathaniel Rice; Myra Rice; and Olivia Baker.

Joyce is also survived by her sister, Linda Chase; her brother, Edward “Buzzy” Shaw; and her special nieces, April Bapp and Eliza Walters, along with her nephew, David Chase and all of their extended families.

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