Joyce Elaine (Westerberg) Parker

Joyce W. Parker of Gull Lake, Michigan

Joyce W. Parker, age 89, passed away on October 18, 2016 after a long fight with Parkinson's disease. Joyce was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 5, 1927 to Melville and Eva (Swenson) Westerberg.

A talented student and singer in her youth, Joyce attended Kalamazoo College, later graduating from Western Michigan University. On September 3, 1949, she married Harry B. Parker Jr. of Kalamazoo. Upon their marriage they moved to their home on Gull Lake, where they lived for nearly 60 years.

After graduation from WMU, Joyce worked in administration at the Upjohn Co. until 1953 when the first of their 3 children was born. She dedicated much of her life to Steven, Carol (Scharfenberg), and Susan (Carter), and later derived great joy from her grandchildren. She also provided key support to Harry in the founding and success of their family business, Kalamazoo Paper Chemicals which operated successfully for nearly 50 years.

Joyce took great pride in her skill at the bridge table. Her sharp mind allowed her to excel at this demanding game. Many of her great friends were also bridge aficionados and there was always a good deal of organized play. An eager traveler, Joyce enjoyed many opportunities to travel with family and friends in North America, Europe, and South America, even once venturing into the upper reaches of the Orinoco River in the northern Amazon area.

With the passing of Harry in 2009, Joyce moved to a senior living facility and enjoyed an active social and family life until she was slowly overtaken by Parkinson's disease which gradually robbed her of her health and vitality. Recently she was cared for in Richland at the Gull Arbor Senior care facility to which the entire family would like to extend their thanks for the wonderfully gentle and thorough care they provided.

Joyce's remains have been cremated and a reception for family and friends will be held at the Gull Lake Country Club on Wednesday, December 21st from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to your favorite local charity. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Joyce's family with her arrangements.