Joyce Arlene Laviolette

Joyce A. Laviolette, nee Carpenter, age 91, passed away Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Ernest (Ernie) Laviolette. Devoted mother of her daughters, Cheryl McKellar and Paula Morgan; stepchildren Mike Laviolette, Lori Laviolette, Lisa Laviolette Stone, and Todd Laviolette. She is survived by her brother Ed Carpenter (LuAnn), 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joyce in death are her parents, Clarence and Mary (Rau) Carpenter, her second husband, Ernie Laviolette, her first husband, Harold McKellar, her ‘Southern Gentleman’, Richard (Dick) Chambers, and her beloved dog Missy.

Joyce, born on December 21, 1933, grew up on the Carpenter farm outside Beaverton, Michigan, living and working in several locations around Michigan, as well as in Florida and Georgia.

Joyce was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lowell, MI. She was a long-time volunteer at Flat River Outreach Ministries (F.R.O.M.) in Lowell, MI and worked at many F.R.O.M. and church fundraisers and community events. Joyce loved being outdoors, tending to her flowers and garden, feeding the birds, camping and fishing, and was an avid NASCAR (Dale Jr.) fan. She enjoyed travel, visiting Ireland, Greece, Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, Aruba, and all around the US and Canada.

Joyce’s family expresses a very heartfelt thank you to the Schwandt family and the caregivers at Country House Assisted Living in Trufant, MI, where Joyce has resided for the past 5 years. The family is also grateful for the support and compassion from all their friends and family, as well as Impact Hospice.

FUNERAL: A Celebration of Joyce’s life will take place Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 10305 Bluewater Hwy, Lowell, MI 49331.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to visit at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service.

INTERMENT: Interment will be at Marion Springs Cemetery at a later date.

MEMORIALS: Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to consider Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, F.R.O.M., or their preferred animal rescue, shelter, or sanctuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.