Joyce Marie Hjorten Fox passed away peacefully at the age of 71 years old on July 23rd, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joyce fought cancer over two decades before succumbing to her final battle with her children Barrett and Clarice by her side.
Joyce was born in Ballard, Washington, on June 22, 1953. In 1955, the Hjorten family made their home on Vashon Island. Joyce attended Vashon grade school and was a Vashon High School graduate with the class of 1971. Growing up she discovered a talent for the arts, drawing, and playing softball, which she continued to enjoy well into her adult life. Always adventurous and involved, she spent time after high school traveling and working in Seattle, before returning to the island to raise her own children.
Joyce kept a warm and welcoming home, keeping the air bright and doors open. She was often the hostess to her many relatives and her children’s friends who needed a place to hang out or a soft place to land. She found great joy in service, volunteering in schools and creating the Fox Toy Drive, an annual charity event that began in her home garage and spread throughout numerous locations around the island to provide free holiday toys to children in need.
For many years she managed the Thriftway floral department. As with everything she did, the department flourished under her care, with her passion for flowers, eye for arrangements, and care for the people she served. She took every opportunity to reach the hearts of her community through her work. She will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, bravery, and her incredibly positive outlook.
Joyce stayed afloat in the roughest waters at the toughest of times. Even as her battle with illness was drawing to a close, she empowered herself and made new friends in treatment, entertaining her nurses and fellow patients with stories, humor, silly socks and origami lessons.
She loved the Puget Sound region and all the fresh air. She loved every part of Vashon Island and the life she built there. She loved gazing out at Mount Rainier and watching the ships pass through the sound. She loved gardening, and the musician James Taylor. Joyce was an outstanding mother and role model. She loved her family dearly, and her presence is indescribably missed.
Joyce is survived by her children Barrett and Clarice Fox, grandchildren Dorian and Emma. Memorial donation can be made in Joyce’s honor to the Holiday Toy Drive sponsored by John L Scott. Checks can be made payable to “John L Scott Toy Drive” and mailed to 13401 Vashon Hwy, Vashon, WA 98070.
Services will be held for Harley and Joyce on October 19th, 2024 at 11:00am at Bethel Church on Vashon. All are welcome to attend to remember a time or moment, share a thought or memory, and say a final goodbye.
June 22, 1953–July 23, 2024
