Joyce was an intelligent, capable, generous, and endlessly energetic woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a remarkable matriarch, the loving hub of her family of nine children, even as it grew and dispersed across the country.

Born and raised in Ashland Wisconsin, as a teen Joyce was fascinated by the advent of the airplane. She joined United Airlines shortly before World War II ended, and was based in Boise, Idaho. There she met the love of her life, Melvin L. Charlier, also from Wisconsin. After a short courtship, they married and settled in La Grange, Illinois in 1946.

She and Mel were founding members of St. Cletus Church in the 1950’s, and for over 20 years Joyce could be seen chauffering her children to grade school there.

Always on the leading edge of social trends, she caught on early to the joy of recording family events, lighting many special occasions with a giant light bar attached to a video camera. She was also much appreciated for her expertise with a paintbrush, painting many-a-children’s house inside and out over a weekend! At the drop of a hat, she put together feasts for her large family and early on her brother Bill would join in for Sunday dinners.

For many years she maintained two households when, in 1968, the family bought a farm and began spending part of the time in Richland Center, Wisconsin. There, her athleticism was in evidence, as she would ride horses and snowmobiles, build campfires, and help care for numerous animals, in addition to keeping her children and husband on their toes.

Joyce was indeed a consummate caregiver, devoting her life and considerable talents to her family. Throughout the years, she remained engaged with and supportive of all her many offspring.

At the age of 98, she passed peacefully in her cherished home under the loving care of her children Sally and Bill. Her entire family is grateful that she had the stamina and will to remain with us for so long and we will miss her.

She has now joined her devoted husband Melvin, loving daughter Jeanne Paasch, dear parents Gus and Susan Dean, and beloved brother William Dean.

She is survived by her children Susan (James) Langemak, Barbara (Hal) Colbert, Mary (LT) Martin, Sally Maas, William Charlier, Robert (Holly) Charlier, John (Beth) Charlier, and Betty Charlier.

She leaves behind 18 grandchildren: David (Kathryn) Langemak; Wendy Keao, Eric (Valarie) Paasch, Megan (Jon) Peavy, Katy (Josh) Hughes; Clay (Melanie), Cary (Linda), and Kevin (Shyla) Colbert; Debora (Bob) Ellis, Mike, Tim (Meagan), and Dan (Keri) Maas; Courtney (Dave) Mayhew, Dacia Kretschmann, and Autumn Charlier; Nicole, Kyle, and Mitchel Charlier.

Her legacy also includes 25 great-grandchildren and even 1 great-great grandchild!

Visitation 8:30 to 9:30 am on Friday, September 10 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Procession to St. Cletus Church will follow for 10am Mass. Those unable to attend may watch Mass at https://www.youtube.com/user/stcletusparish. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joyce’s name to St. Cletus School (https://stcletusparish.com/) are appreciated. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500