Joyce Alice (Rasmussen) Bruneau, 77, passed away at her home Friday, July 19, 2013 after a battle with cancer.

She was born in Seattle on May 30, 1936 to Soren and Alice Rasmussen.

She married Donald Oliver Bruneau on Sept. 10, 1955 in Langley, Wash. They were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Donald O. Bruneau (2002); her parents, Soren (1998) and Sarah Alice (2003) Rasmussen, and her brother, Hugh Rasmussen (2011). She is survived by her brother Gordon Rasmussen (Lisa); her children: Jon A. Bruneau (Francesca), Janice R. Williams (Aaron), and Jock M. Bruneau; her grandchildren: Alaska and Cheyanna Bruneau; Tearsa Little (Bret); Drey, Taft, Tavin and Tilmann Williams; and her great grandchildren: Amirah Little and another great granddaughter due in the fall.

Joyce was a third generation resident of Whidbey Island. She loved her heritage. She grew up in a home that her grandfather built as a duck hunting cabin. Just two years ago it became necessary for her to sell her Sunlight Beach home, but her love for the island and the beach led her to a new home less than one mile from the old one. Joyce attended school on the island and graduated with honors from Langley High School in 1954.

Joyce was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a member of the South Whidbey Island Ward where she faithfully served in many callings and assignments.

She loved music and was grateful for opportunities to play the piano and organ, direct music and participate in choirs.

She loved her family and was especially excited about having grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved animals and it was particularly important for her to have the companionship of her three “Sams” (Samson and Samanthas) during her years as a widow.

One of the greatest gifts from her parents was a piano and the lessons to learn how to play it. She also talked with excitement about getting her first glasses and finally being able to read. Joyce loved reading and always carried a book with her. She also loved to dance. She and Donald square danced, round danced and later line danced.

She loved the old musicals movies, any live productions and watching Dancing with the Stars.

Family vacations were never to tourist-type places. Camping was a mainstay and was always near water so there could be fishing. Westport, with ocean and the sand dunes, was a favorite spot. Salmon and tuna were caught and canned. Joyce often had a garden and she canned her produce. Applesauce was made yearly from the parent’s fruit trees. It was an annual event that the whole family was involved in.

As the family grew smaller, she canned jams and jellies every summer with her daughter to give away at Christmas and as thank you gifts.

After being married for two months and “twiddling her thumbs” she went to work at Pacific Produce in downtown Seattle and then at Boeing where she used her typing and shorthand skills. She worked until her children came into her life. Then she did some part time swimming lessons, and while the kids were in school, worked at Fredrick and Nelson in various departments during the Christmas holidays. After the children left home, she studied to be a florist and worked at Barbara’s Flowers, Clinton Floral and Something Special. She always loved having home parties such as Tupperware, jewelry, lingerie and Stampin’ Up.

They were social gatherings with the fun of baking her favorite desserts. She became a demonstrator, and sold Christmas Around the World, and Pampered Chef.

Joyce loved to travel.

She was able to go to Japan with some of her aunts in 1992. But the most memorable trip was in 2001 to the Holy Lands with her husband and a few friends. It was a life-long dream fulfilled.

Joyce was a very social person and loved having people around her. She loved having gatherings at her home for barbecues or potlucks. Her greatest desire for her funeral service was that she be able to provide one more meal and invite all family and friends. Please plan to join us for that meal after the service.

Joyce Bruneau’s funeral service will be held noon on Friday, Aug. 2, at the South Whidbey L.D.S. Church. A viewing will be held from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. The church is located at 5425 S. Maxwelton Road, across from the elementary school. Interment at Bayview Cemetery. Followed by luncheon for all family and friends, at the church.

Memorial services are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home in Langey.