Joyce Blaine

A woman who never met an enemy and never lost a friend, Joyce Leona Blaine, 83, of Grand Junction, Colorado, and wife of Gerald S. Blaine, died on January 22, 2018, after a brave battle against cancer, under the care and support of Hope West Hospice Care Center.

Joyce was born in Denver on October 4, 1934, the daughter of the late Clarence and Aileen (Paist) Hazlett. She was raised in Englewood, Colorado, then married Jerry, her high school sweetheart in Denver in 1954. They moved to California, where Jerry concluded his military service during the Korean War. After his discharge they returned to Boulder, Colorado, where she worked at Equitable Life Insurance, while Jerry completed his degree at Colorado University. They were also counselors in a boy's dormitory where Joyce provided advise and care as the residents progressed through their education.

Upon graduation, Jerry was sworn into the United States Secret Service where he served under three Presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson, while living in Alexandria, Virginia where their children were born. In 1964, Jerry left the Secret Service and began working for IBM in sales, product development and Corporate security. His career took them to Wilton, CT, Washington, DC and then to Frisco, TX.

Joyce worked and volunteered her whole life after the children went to school. In Connecticut , she worked as an administrative assistant to the chairman for Iroquois Brands and later worked for an investment firm. Her next and favorite job was in New York City where she worked for the publisher on Insight Magazine. When they moved to Texas , Joyce worked as a successful real estate agent and served on the board of Stonebriar Country Club for many years.

In 2004 , Joyce and Jerry retired to Grand Junction and settled into Redlands Mesa. They were active members of Monument Presbyterian Church. She became an enthusiastic member of PEO, volunteered at St. Mary's hospital, Hope West Hospice, Victims Advocate and a myriad of other charitable organiztions. Joyce also lived to play golf both at Redlands and Tiera Rada.

Joyce loved to travel and meet new people; making friendships throughout the world  that would last a lifetime. She was fun, energetic, and loved life. Joyce was a wonderful and beautifly person who brought so much joy into the lives of others.

She leaves her husband, Jerry, married for 63 wonderful years together. Her daughter, Kelly Shawn Meeko preceded Joyce's death in 2011, survived by her husband, Jay of Gresham, Oregon. She also leaves her son, Scott Blaine and his wife Laurie of Maui, Hawaii. Her sister, Patricia MacArthur and her husband, Charles, Sisters in law, Judy Prescott, Kate Matheny, and brother in law, William Blaine and a myriad of nieces and nephews. She also leaves her grandchildren, Cady Blaine, Zachary Blaine, Kayla Meeko, Joseph Meeko and his wife Eden, as well as her great grandchildren, Shiloh and Uriah Meeko.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 10th at 2:00 PM at the Monument Presbyterian Church, 2020-1/2 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81507. A private Interment for the family will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830  Riverside parkway, Grand Junction ,CO

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in her name made to Hope West Hospice, who so gently eased her journey, 2754 Compass Drive, # 377, Grand Junction, CO 81506.