Joyce Andre
July 06, 2008
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Service Details
Joyce Lynn Andre, 51, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Taylor House. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at First Federated Church with burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St.
Joyce was born August 1, 1956 to Ray E. and Katherine Newman in Des Moines. She was the founder of the Deaf Awareness Walkathon. Joyce spent countless hours teaching sign language and was a volunteer in every aspect of the Deaf community. Joyce retired from the U.S. Post Office after over 20 years of service.
Joyce is survived by her companion of 24 years, Thomas Witt; sons, Joseph Andre and Adam (Lacy) Andre; grandchildren, Haley, Hannah, Emma and Ella; brother, David (Sharon) Newman; half sisters, Marilyn Nielsen and Linda Woito; nieces, Patricia McCoy and Kathleen Dean; and many other relatives and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Janet Dean; and grandson, Logan.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Joyce.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don Berkey
06/25/2026
David -- I just found out (6/23/2026 of Joyce's and Tom's passing. In this case, bad news did NOT travel fast. 18 yrs ago ! I knew them in the mid-'90's. Joyce taught me some sign. I played Easter Bunny to her young sons. (and mother and next-door neighbors. ;-) ) My tel # is 515-957-3192. PO Box 147, 50169, if you choose to contact.
You know both were the best of members in/to Society. I read the comments RE Joyce's passing. "Taylor House," "cancer," and "pain" are ugly words. All were in her "Comments." Very sorry to read that. Hope you and Sharon are in good health.
Renae Noble
07/14/2008
To Joyce Andre's family and Thomas Witt:
I met Joyce at Miss Deaf Iowa Pageant in August 1993. We became friends. We got to know each other more while we were on the Deaf Awareness committee. Our friendship blossomed more because we made the effort to spend time together outside of Deaf Awareness meetings/events.
Joyce was a great role model/mentor/friend to me to help me become a better person and for that, I'm always grateful to her.
I definitely will miss her deeply, but I know she is in a better place being with Jesus and not in pain anymore.
Please do remember that Joyce loves you all and she is smiling down at you from Heaven.
Diane Tekippe
07/12/2008
Sorry to hear Joyce of my good friend finally peace passed away. I saw Joyce last May 2007 at Capital Day and she smiling at me and talked with her few mins. I tear my eye she have cancer and hate to see Joyce going die someday. I really sobbing and miss Joyce. Think of her on her wake and funeral on day while I were at home. Thank Tim care of Joyce while she is illness. I pray for her in my heart. I really love her as much. See her in heaven. She can see her sister, her parent and her grandson Logan in heaven now. ILY
Diane (ISD 1976)
Marilyn Boyden
07/11/2008
Hello David
So sorry to hear about Joyce, but glad she will not be suffering anymore.
She was so beautiful seeing her picture was like seeing your Mom again.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Love to you and the family. Marilyn and family
Deb & Loren Olsen
07/10/2008
So sorry to hear about Joyce...she was special friend of ours. She inspired good spirit and happy thoughts, too. She is very good worker with deaf and blind...she had sweet smile. Our prayer are with her and her family and Tom, too. No more suffer in pain for her and peace for her...we love her dearly.
Clint Krogman
07/09/2008
I can't make it go visitation at their funeral, and I want to say, I am sympathy for her and comfort with her family, and friends.
All of the deafies people who know her and prayer for her family too!
thanks let me know about Joyce Newman Andre.
Terri Mount
07/09/2008
I was shocked to learn about Joyce's illness when I was back in Iowa for the event. I am so sorry. It is shame that she was young. I remember her well during my school years and she was so fun to be around! May God be with you all during the sorrow.
Charlie and Connie Stevens
07/08/2008
David and Sharon,
So sorry to hear of your loss but understand Joyce is in a much better place with your mom, dad and Janet. We always enjoyed being with Joyce as she brought joy to all who were with her.
We will never forget the day you and her came down to Knoxville to spend some time with us after your mothers passing. It was such a joy for us to be together and to communicate with Joyce through the interpreter. Even in times of sadness our families have been able to console each other and laugh through it all always being thankful for each other.
You both along with the rest of your family, Adam, Joe and the others are in our prays and know God will guide each of you and provide you comfort.
Take Care and God Bless,
Please stay in touch,
Love,
Connie and Charlie Stevens
Parachute, CO.
Judy and Ward Robuck
07/08/2008
David, I want you to know that we are thinking of you and keeping you and Sharon in our thoughts and prayers. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to have a great visit with Joyce. I will always treasure the time we spent together. I am so sorry that we can't be there with you tonight/tomorrow, but please know our hearts are there. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know. Take care of yourself....Love, Judy
david moon/kathy vaccaro
07/08/2008
we will miss you joyce and hope that your family will accepting of your passing
david moon / kathy vaccaro
07/08/2008
to joyce's family, tom, and extended family: joyce has been a inspiration to us being able to work with her in deaf awareness so she cant be replaced .......... rest in peace joyce we'll miss you ILY
Tracy Ann DeWire
07/08/2008
To family of Joyce & Thomas,
My sympathy goes to you all. Joyce was a fighter to the end! She didn't complained! She didn't understand why her but she thanked God each day for everything! She was a wonderful person. She was kind of a person who focus on other people first before herself!! She said alot of positive things. She has a positive attitude! She kept on SMILING, no matter how much pain she was in. She is now in God's hands. She is finally free from pain! She was a strong person! Jesus was there for Joyce. Jesus will be there for you & your family & Thomas! He is always there for you all. Be happy! I will miss her very much just like everyone will miss her! I am sorry for the loss of a good person! God Bless you Joyce! With all my love!
Julie cox of Dubuque
07/08/2008
How sorry about Joyce passed away. I hope you will be alright for a while.
Jan Fletcher
07/08/2008
You have my deepest sympathy. No word can really comfort you. But please know, my deepest prayers and wishes are with you and your family. May Joyce rest in peace without any pain.
Joyce was an inspirational person and I was very blessed to know her. I admired her and her fierce loyalty to Deaf/HoH people, speaking up for hers and their rights. I can not help but remember a quote by Winston Churchill, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Joyce always made time for anyone who needed support. She was a truly a great leader for our Iowa Deaf/HoH citizens.
Joyce will be missed very much and I will always remember her beautiful smile and awesome positive attitude.
"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:17
God Bless you all!
Peace & Prayers,
Jan
Nancy Stapp McCurdy
07/08/2008
I enjoyed knowing Joyce and having her tutor me in a Sign Language group. My sympathy and prayers are with her family. She was a very sweet lady.