On July 18, 2024, with her family's love and encouragement, Joyce Miller (Mom, Gramma, and Gigi) died at her home in River Grand Assisted Living, off to meet her God and for a long-awaited date night with her Hon, Jack. Joyce L. Hawkinson was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on April 21,1930, the second child of Lawrence and Lucille Hawkinson. Joyce grew up in Grand Rapids. It was during her junior year, she met a senior boy at rehearsal for the High School Operetta, named Jack Miller. The rest of that story is the history of our family and their 70 years of unending love.

They married on January 4,1951 and moved to Kennewick, Washington, Camp Hanford, while Dad served in the Army. In 1953, they headed back to Minnesota, with a new baby, to begin their life in Bemidji, Minnesota, where Dad continued his college education. Mom decided, after completing two years at Itasca Junior College, to end her education, and raise their family. After living in Red Lake Falls and Mentor, Dad left teaching and they returned to Grand Rapids. They bought Mom's parents' home on McKinney Lake, where they raised their 7 children and resided for 56 years.

Mom took her job seriously. She was our mom extraordinaire, our anchor, kind, patient, wise, and wonderful; our ever-present grammar teacher, organizer, hand washing instructor, guidance counselor, babysitting job secretary and assigner, who ran our home with efficiency and love.

Mom was always a great listener and incredibly patient, most of the time. "Be nice to everyone" was a mantra in our home. Her faith was exemplified through actions. As we grew up, she cared for her parents and helped Dad's parents and our great aunt as well. Her years of treating our Dad respectfully and kindly were commendable as his Alzheimer's progressed.

We will miss her presence SO much; we wonder how we will ever fill the void. She, along with Dad, has taught us many important life lessons, gifted us through their love for each other, and provided us with such a happy home to grow up in through their endless sacrifices and fun-loving sense of simple family adventure! They have given their grandchildren their time generously and gifted them with so many wonderful memories to remember Gramma and Papa for their lifetimes. Each great-grandchild filled their hearts more, and they welcomed each one with such excitement.

We can see them dancing in each other's arms, and as sad as we are about saying goodbye, we know Mom is now where she has wanted to be. We have been so blessed! We love you, Mom.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Lawrence and Lucille Hawkinson; brother, Larry; brother- in-laws, David Gildemeister and John Bromstad; son- in- law, Don Simonson; and other loved family members.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Kate and Steve Lavalier, Cohasset, MN, Deb and John Lupo, Vadnais Heights, MN, Terri and Bob Attwell, Sundridge, Ontario, Jacki Simonson, Vadnais Heights, MN, Michael and Teresa Miller, Menomonie, WI, Karen Manella, Grand Rapids, MN, Steve and Jolene Miller, White Bear Lake, MN; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, whom Joyce was so proud of; sisters, Betty Gildemeister and Audrey Bromstad; sisters-in-law, Faye Hawkinson, Jan Burt, and Sheila Miller; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Second Harvest Northland Food Bank, 2222 Cromwell Drive, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, or Itasca/St. Mary's Essentia Hospice 115 10th Avenue NE, Deer River, MN 56636.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN. Burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN at a later time.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To   sign   the   online   guestbook   or   send   condolences   visit   www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.