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
Gary & Susan Reeves
07/07/2008
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND GONE BUT WE KNOW IT IS BEST TO LET HER GO AND PEACE BETTER THAN PAINFUL OR SUFFER AND WE WILL ALWAY MISS HER SO MUCH WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU FOREVER AND YOU ARE VERY GOOD POSTIVE PERSON AND HELP DEAF PEOPLE AND DEAF AWARNESS OR WALK -N- THON AND MANY MORE TOO AND ALSO SHE IS REALLY GOOD PERSON ,CHEER UP AND TEAM WORK TOGETHER TOO SHE DERSERVE IT AND WORK HARD FOR US I REALLY THANK GOD SHE IS WITH YOU JESUS IN HEAVEN AND PEACE. WE WILL ALWAY LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU TOO GOD BLESS HER LOVE MR.GARY AND SUSAN REEVES
Gretchen Waech
07/07/2008
Joyce was one of those women who inspired strong feelings everywhere she went... and I was no exception. When I first met her, I didn't know what to make of her... she was the most outspoken woman I'd ever met in my life. She said what she thought and that was that. It wasn't something I was accustomed to... even though I was also a woman of strong opinions. *smile*
She soon became a role model for me in learning what it meant to be a strong Deaf woman... what it meant to be proud of my place in the world and my community. She was always encouraging me to get more involved, to lend my voice to strengthen my community. I have been and will continue to take her encouragement to heart.
She will be missed, but she will be remembered.
Tracy Abbott
07/07/2008
I am so sorry about the loss of Joyce Andre. The pain is gone and the spirit of her is alive to be with Jesus Christ for whosever believes in Him shall not perish but have an eternal life (John 3:16). What a wonderful gift God gave us -- Our Savior Jesus Christ. My deeply sympathy to her family and her children and her grandchildren, especially Tom Witt. He took a loving care of her to the end that showed he cared for her. God loves you all.
In Christ's love,
Tracy
Joy Milligan
07/07/2008
Joyce will be missed greatly by the Interpreters in Iowa. I always learned something from Joyce everytime we met somewhere. She was a great support to me personally and professionally. She was a great encouragement to all who met her. I am glad she is now out of pain and is in perfect peace. She is now one of GODS golden angels teaching all in heaven the meaning of LOVE (in ASL of course). My sympathy goes to her family, friends, and the Deaf Community. It is a BIG loss to us here on earth but I BIG gain for heavens choirs. YOU ARE TRUELY MISSED JOYCE.
Ann Ralston Swiatkowski
07/07/2008
I am saddened to know she is gone BUT I am rejoicing to know that she is now with Jesus in God's awesome Presence and she is resting peace with no more suffering and pain. I can imagine how happy she is in her new home in Heaven. I pray that God would grant His strength to Tom and her beloved sons and extended family. I was honored to talk to her at ISD homecoming two years ago. I know what she had been going through because I lost my husband too (8 years ago). To Joyce's sons, lean on Jesus always and He always comfort you and always be there for you. Tom, be strong in the days to come as it won't be easy but know Jesus is here for you.
Blessings in the everlasting love of Jesus,
Ann Marie Ralston Swiatkowski (class of 71 at ISD)
Tami (Boyd) Hogue
07/07/2008
Thomas and Joyce's family. There are no words can describe how sorry I am of your loss. Joyce has inspired me when I was only 12 years old and she was my mentor all my life. She will be sadly missed by many of us. May she rest in peace. May the higher power be very close to you all during this time. With Love, Tami
Gerald and Rita Ann Ahrens
07/07/2008
Family of Joyce Andre and Tom Witt,
We are deeply sympathy to you all. We really
want to come and give our love to you all very much.
But we could not come where we live in Maryland.
We're very happy we did visit with you all more time in
two weeks ago. We always are with you all. We are
thinking of you all the service for two days in our heart.
Our deeply sympathy and we love you all,
The Family of Gerald Ahrens, Rita Ann
and Mary Ann
Robin O'Hara
07/07/2008
So sorry to hear about Joyce. She was special and very kind. My prayer are with you and your family. God Bless.
Jeanette Kern
07/07/2008
I am so glad that she finally in peace now. I know she is in beautiful place right now. She was my good friend and always had good time with her when I see her. She was very strong person and always had been good leader for deaf people in Iowa. She really loves to work with the deaf people for the Deaf Awareness and always volunteer interpreter for the Blind people. We will miss her and will see her in heaven some day. We will support and comfort Tom Witt.
We love you, Joyce
Jeanette and David Kern
Beth Koubsky
07/07/2008
My heart goes out to Joyce's family and friends. This is a terrible loss to the Deaf community. She will definitely be missed. I had the pleasure of working with her in Des Moines while I lived there. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Howie
07/07/2008
Joyce was a godsend to Iowa. She will be missed by thousands. I will always have a special place for her in my heart. I love you Joyce! Welcome home.
Ellen Hayes
07/07/2008
I will miss Joyce and her wonderful cheerful personality. She always had a smile on her face. I rejoice that I will see her again when we all meet in heaven. I am thankful that she is now in the loving arms of Jesus and has no more pain. I will miss her deeply.