Joyce Vivian Smith (Holt)
Oct. 7, 1943 – Oct. 25, 2022

Joyce passed away at Especially You Care Home on October 25, 2022 at age 79. For the last several years Joyce struggled with declining health due a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Despite her diagnosis she lived her life to the fullest and continued to make friends until the very end.

Joyce came into this world with an unmatched exuberance for life. A true force; Joyce made her own rules. She was born in Astoria, Oregon to Vivian (deceased) and Norman (deceased) Holt and moved to Eureka when she was very young. Joyce spent her first year of life on a fishing boat before growing up and living in Eureka for the majority of her life. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1961.

Joyce made friends everywhere she went. She always had a gift on hand and celebrated every occasion. Joyce was full of spirit and generosity (unless she was playing cards) and made everyone around her feel special. She had an internal fire that brightened the world around her. She loved to talk, laugh and listen to others. She was direct, honest and had an infectious laugh that energized any room. If you were lucky enough to know her she made an impact. She was a real powerhouse.

Joyce worked for many years as a department store manager of women’s clothing in Eureka and in Santa Cruz. She was passionate about helping women find clothes that made them look and feel good. Joyce later worked as a bookkeeper for Redwood Electronics Supply. She was a very hard worker and put 110% into everything she did.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Joelle Davidson, daughter in-law Lynne Sandstrom, granddaughters Trysta Hays, Brandi Hays and great granddaughters Lili and Katana. She is also survived by her two sisters, Diane Bare (Ted) and Ida-Fay Felthauser (Mike), nephews Les Bare, Jason Lindholm and Cory Lindholm and her cousin Kathy Payne. She is proceeded by her daughter Rana Krueger, granddaughter Tiffany Hays and cousin Nyle Henderson. Her lifelong friendships include Joanie Lee, June Lee, Nancy Wilson, Irene Johnson (deceased), Liane Peroni, Lucy Sprat, Fran Morehouse, Esther Curtis, Kristy Norton, Gene Hansen and many others.

Joyce was so full of love and life. She often proclaimed that someone should write a book about her adventures. Her one of a kind personality led to a one of a kind life. We will miss her.

Thank you to Hospice, Pace and Especially You for the wonderful care you provided.

A celebration of her life will be held on November 19, 2022 at the Moose Lodge in Eureka from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate her wonderful life.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joyce’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.