Obituary of Joyce A. Case

Joyce Althea (Felix) Case, 91, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at home with her daughter Susan by her side.

Joyce was born in Hartford, CT in 1931, and lived in the greater Hartford area most of her life.

Joyce obtained her Nursing degree and license from the St. Francis School of Nursing and spent over 30 years working primarily for Hartford Hospital on major surgical floors. Being a nurse was a source of great pride and satisfaction. Last week we asked her if she liked being a nurse, and she replied “Yes! I loved being a nurse!”

Joyce exhibited unsurpassed determination and great courage in facing life’s challenges. Fiercely strong and independent minded are fitting descriptions of who she was.

Divorced and raising 4 children was no small task, she had to make many personal sacrifices to provide for her family. She set many examples of how to live a good and productive life through her strong work ethic; always employed and always on time. After her retirement, she continued working part-time in skilled nursing facilities well into her 70s.

Joyce was particularly gifted in numerous disciplines, including fine art, sewing, and needlepoint for which she excelled. Among her achievements, she was an Award-winning Quilter, and possessed phenomenal expertise in Ribbon Embroidery. She fashioned Christening outfits for her grandsons, created beautiful dresses for her granddaughter and crafted numerous Halloween costumes for family and friends. Her granddaughter Liz still treasures the Luvy blanket Joyce made for her at birth. Through the work of Joyce’s skilled hands, we will always have something to hold close and remember her by.

Joyce loved the ocean and made sure every summer included fun-filled vacations at Misquamicut beach with extended family - for which we have very fond memories. Joyce was a natural in the kitchen, a terrific cook admired by many for her skill and creative flair with recipes of all kinds. She loved the holidays, Christmas being her favorite; our house always embarrassingly decorated from top to bottom. Yes, we were the house with the Santa on the roof year-round!

Despite the trials of everyday living, Joyce always maintained a positive attitude and never gave up her pursuit of a good and happy life; tirelessly creating a warm and rich environment for herself and family. A great lover of animal companionship, she always had pets currently leaving behind her beloved cat Maui.

Joyce could be quite Sassy, she loved to tease but hated being teased. She took great pride when her DNA test came back nearly 100% Portuguese! Quick to brag about how PURE her pedigree was. A lover of music and dance, you couldn’t keep her off the dance floor at weddings and Bat Mitzvahs.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Patricia Case (Kenneth Goldberg), granddaughter Elizabeth and her fiancée, Timothy Power. Son, Alfred C. Case, (Isabel Santos Case), grandson Dominic Santos and great-granddaughter Charlette. Daughter, Susan Case Lunt (Richard Lunt), grandsons Richard II and Alfred. Daughter, Kimberly Case Rastallis (Andrew Rastallis), grandsons Zachary and Connor.

Additionally, Joyce leaves siblings, Carolyn Nolan, Cynthia (Jacques) Gauvin, and Walter Felix. She was predeceased by siblings Theresa Hodge, Genevieve Mangini, and David Felix.

Joyce was predeceased by former husband Alfred Curtis Case of Bloomfield.

Donations in her name may be made to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street, Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118.

Calling hours will be Monday, April, 25, 2022 from 5-7pm at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040.