1921
Joyce
2011
Joyce Bernice Hill
October 19, 1921 — January 2, 2011
Munising
Mrs. Joyce Bernice (Olson) Hill, was born on October 19, 1921 in Munising, MI to Harry C. and Hildur A. (Oas) Olson. Joyce was the first born and was unfortunately born with cerebral palsy, from which the doctors feared she would never survive. Not only did she survive but she thrived and was followed by the birth of four siblings: Charles Olson, Harry Olson, Gwen (Olson) McCollum, and Harold "Tom" Olson. No one ever felt she would talk or walk, but she surprised them all and her life surpassed every ones hopes and dreams. At five years old, Joyce learned to walk because, as her sister Gwen says, "She just had to keep up with the rest of us." She learned to speak very well and even graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School.
This was amazing enough for a child with her disabilities, but she was no where near finished. On April 18, 1953, Joyce married Mr. Edward H. Hill, Jr. from Detroit. Over the next several decades she raised Mr. Hill's two children from a previous marriage. This was a dream come true for Joyce, because she loved children, all children and doted on Ed and Laurel as if they were her own.
Not only did she have the joy of raising children, but she moved numerous times over the years traveling throughout the U.S. due to her husband's job. She saw more of the country than most of us and loved the traveling.
Following Ed's death in 1992 Joyce moved back to Munising and moved into the Lakeshore Manor. She was always surrounded by friends and family, and even found a long lost friend "Bud" who was a ray of sunshine in her life. He helped her out for many years and even spent time with her at our many family events. His friendship was greatly appreciated.
In 2002 Joyce's health deteriorated and she decided to move into the Superior Health Haven where she resided until the time of her death. She loved the closeness of the residents and felt like they were a second family. She stayed active with family and Health Haven events and settled into a happy and peaceful life.
On January 1, 2011 she suddenly became extremely ill and was taken to Marquette General Hospital. Joyce was blessed to be surrounded by family, including her sister Gwen at the time of her death at 11:05 a.m. on January 2, 2011 at the age of 89.
Joyce was warm, loving, always smiling, hated black shoes, loved Junior Mints, and shined whenever children were around. She was a wonderful big sister, the smallest of the family, but still worthy of being looked up to. Her strength throughout life is to be admired by everyone and she will be deeply missed, but we feel blessed to have known her and to have shared in her extraordinary, strong, resilient life.
Joyce is survived by her children - Ed (Becky) Hill and Laurel (Jerry) Morrison; sister - Gwen McCollum of AuTrain; brothers - Charles (Edna) Olson of Munising and Harry (Ann) Olson of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law - Marilyn Olson; aunt - Beo Mitchell; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, her husband Edward, and brother Tom. Joyce's obituary was written with love by her great-niece Emily Albro.
A commital service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Maple Grove Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Paul Kelto Officiating.
Mrs. Joyce Bernice (Olson) Hill, was born on October 19, 1921 in Munising, MI to Harry C. and Hildur A. (Oas) Olson. Joyce was the first born and was unfortunately born with cerebral palsy, from which the doctors feared she would never survive. Not only did she survive but she thrived and was followed by the birth of four siblings: Charles Olson, Harry Olson, Gwen (Olson) McCollum, and Harold "Tom" Olson. No one ever felt she would talk or walk, but she surprised them all and her life surpassed every ones hopes and dreams. At five years old, Joyce learned to walk because, as her sister Gwen says, "She just had to keep up with the rest of us." She learned to speak very well and even graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School.
This was amazing enough for a child with her disabilities, but she was no where near finished. On April 18, 1953, Joyce married Mr. Edward H. Hill, Jr. from Detroit. Over the next several decades she raised Mr. Hill's two children from a previous marriage. This was a dream come true for Joyce, because she loved children, all children and doted on Ed and Laurel as if they were her own.
Not only did she have the joy of raising children, but she moved numerous times over the years traveling throughout the U.S. due to her husband's job. She saw more of the country than most of us and loved the traveling.
Following Ed's death in 1992 Joyce moved back to Munising and moved into the Lakeshore Manor. She was always surrounded by friends and family, and even found a long lost friend "Bud" who was a ray of sunshine in her life. He helped her out for many years and even spent time with her at our many family events. His friendship was greatly appreciated.
In 2002 Joyce's health deteriorated and she decided to move into the Superior Health Haven where she resided until the time of her death. She loved the closeness of the residents and felt like they were a second family. She stayed active with family and Health Haven events and settled into a happy and peaceful life.
On January 1, 2011 she suddenly became extremely ill and was taken to Marquette General Hospital. Joyce was blessed to be surrounded by family, including her sister Gwen at the time of her death at 11:05 a.m. on January 2, 2011 at the age of 89.
Joyce was warm, loving, always smiling, hated black shoes, loved Junior Mints, and shined whenever children were around. She was a wonderful big sister, the smallest of the family, but still worthy of being looked up to. Her strength throughout life is to be admired by everyone and she will be deeply missed, but we feel blessed to have known her and to have shared in her extraordinary, strong, resilient life.
Joyce is survived by her children - Ed (Becky) Hill and Laurel (Jerry) Morrison; sister - Gwen McCollum of AuTrain; brothers - Charles (Edna) Olson of Munising and Harry (Ann) Olson of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law - Marilyn Olson; aunt - Beo Mitchell; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, her husband Edward, and brother Tom. Joyce's obituary was written with love by her great-niece Emily Albro.
A commital service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Maple Grove Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Paul Kelto Officiating.
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