Joyce Elaine Galla

Joyce Elaine Galla, 82 of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born on April 12, 1931 in Traverse City to the late Clarence and Frances (Ball) Lewis. She married Stephen J. Galla on August 6, 1955 also in Traverse City. Together they lovingly raised three wonderful daughters.

Joyce was a native of Traverse City and lived in the area her entire life. In 1996, she retired after working many years in the Elmwood Township Office as a secretary and assistant to the Zoning Administrator. After her retirement, she continued to work with Elmwood Township part-time and spent her time volunteering at Munson Medical Center. Joyce was a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Joyce was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. One her greatest joy was her grandchildren and she never missed a sporting event, recital, or graduation ceremony. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Surviving Joyce is her husband, Stephen of 57 cherished years; daughters, Janet (Greg) Buckel, Ann (Jeff) Gerow, and Sarah (Dan) Angers; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew, Peter, Emily, and Lauren; sisters, Shirley Brown, and Verna Hamilton; and many other loving family members and friends.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gordon and Merlin; and sisters, Norma Diebel, and Marian Wheeler.

Visitation for Joyce will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2013 from 4-8pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a Rosary held at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, April 29, 2013 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior. Burial will take place at a later time at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Munson Medical Center Heart Center or the Munson Medical Center Cancer Center. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Lee Warnaar for his care and compassion throughout mom's illness.