Joyce Buchanan

Joyce Mae (Collins) Buchanan passed away peacefully at a local hospital on December 11, 2013 who spent her final days surrounded by those who loved her. She was born in Green Bay on January 25, 1934 to the late Frank and Myrtle (DuPont) Collins. Joyce was fifth of nine children and the only daughter. She graduated from East High School in 1952. On October 5, 1954 she married Jerry Buchanan. Together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. Jerry preceded her in death on March 3, 2013.

Joyce was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She returned to work only after her children were all in school working at Shopko for eight years where she made many good friends. When Jerry decided to expand his business by opening a retail store, Joyce became the business manager and design consultant for Majestic Tile Company, a position she held until she turned the reins over to her daughter Kim. The business is now run by Joyce and Jerry's children Tim, Todd and Kim.

Joyce enjoyed spending time with family and friends and particularly loved her time in Door County. She also enjoyed reading, playing bingo, trips to Las Vegas and bus tours with friends, sewing and crocheting, playing cards, watching the Packers and a good old fashion cocktail. Our mom was strong, independent and tough as nails physically yet had the softest heart for those she loved. Despite the arthritis that ravaged her body for years, she never complained and maintained her strong will and independence. She inspired us until the very end.

Survivors include her children: Karen (Mark Larson), Edina, MN and their daughters Julia, Claire and Grace; Tim (Lisa) Buchanan, Suamico, and their children Laura and Tanner; Todd Buchanan, Green Bay and his daughter Deidra; and Kim (Scott Thompson), DePere, and their daughters Carrie and Abby. She is further survived by brothers Milt (Carol) Collins, Bob (Marge) Collins, Irv (Saundra) Collins and Merril (Carol) Collins and sisters-in-law Kathy Collins, Jeanne Piontek and Bev Krouth and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; her parents, Frank and Myrtle Collins; brothers Marv Collins, Les Collins, Gaylord Collins, and Gary Collins; brothers-in-law Carl Krouth and Tom Piontek; sisters-in-law Phyllis Collins and Isabelle Collins and nephews Jeffrey Collins, David Collins and Tom Krouth.

Friends may call at MALCORE (East) Funeral Home, University Avenue at Baird Street, from 4 – 8 P.M. Sunday, December 15. Parish wake service 7 P.M. Sunday by Sr. Helen Keyzer, ANG. Monday visitation will continue at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 312 Victoria Street, from 10 A.M. Monday until the time of the funeral. Funeral Monday 11 A.M. at St. Philip the Apostle Church with the Most Reverend Robert F. Morneau officiating. Entombment in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aurora Baycare Health Center ICU and Hospice Care for their compassionate care in her final weeks of life and to Dr. Raymond Bachhuber for his guidance and intuitive care of our mother throughout the years. Additionally, we thank Sister Helen Keyzer for providing spiritual comfort for Joyce and the family.

Memorials will be distributed to organizations in the Green Bay Area that serve those most in need or to the Arthritis Foundation.

Visit www.malcorefuneralhome.com to send an online condolence.