Joyce Elaine Larcom

Joyce Larcom, 97 years old, of Traverse City, Mi. passed away on May 1, 2026, after a lengthy battle with heart disease.

Joyce was a long-time resident of Traverse City and Interlochen. Born on September 26,1928 to James and Nina Watson, she spent her school years in Traverse City and enjoyed working at her family Cherry Inn.

She met Kenneth Larcom in Traverse City, they met in high school and went on to marry August 2,1947. They adventured to California for several years before returning to Michigan and Traverse City. They were married for 56 years prior to his death in 2013.

Joyce worked in the fashion industry as a model, partnered with her husband Ken in both a sign business where she used her art skills and a design business. She also worked in the finance industry as a loan manager for many years.

She is survived by Christine (Gary) Wilson, grandchildren, Ashley (Scott) Sachtleben and Jonathan (Kayla) Wilson, great grandchildren, Vivian, Briette and Finn, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Larcom, and her daughter Angela Larcom.

Joyce loved adventure whether it was racing motorcycles with her family, fishing, camping, or panning for gold. In later years she loved gardening, making cookies and candy for the neighborhood children, and creating ice skating dresses for her granddaughter. She was active in the girl scouts for many years as a leader and always supported and volunteered in sport and child related activities.

She loved to paint and was a wonderful artist. She loved watercolors as well as pastels and acrylic media and continued this craft throughout her life. She found her painting to be especially rewarding during the last few years when she shared her knowledge and skill with others.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff, leadership, and residents at French Manor for the loving, professional, compassionate care, and friendships Joyce found there during the last two years.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

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