Joyce Vadnais

Joyce Marie Vadnais, age 88, of New Hope and formerly of Crosslake died Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at St. Therese Care Center in New Hope, with her loving family by her side.  A private family service will be held on May 8 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake and burial will be in Pinewood Cemetery, Crosslake. A memorial mass will occur at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake at a later date.

Joyce was born a twin on July 23, 1931 in South Minneapolis to Albert and Johanna “Mickey” (Kovacik) Fischer.  She is a graduate of Roosevelt High School and attended college at the University of Minnesota, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in English and physical education.  While in college, Joyce enjoyed playing tennis (which continued well into her 60’s), race walking, and archery.  Joyce married Arthur Vadnais on December 28, 1953 at Helena’s Catholic Church in South Minneapolis.  She walked devoutly in her Catholic faith; she was a lifelong member of St. Kevin’s Catholic Church in South Minneapolis.  Joyce was one of the first layperson at St. Kevin’s to serve the eucharist; she was involved in the Holy Rosary Society, Christian Women and Third Order of Carmelite.  Joyce also volunteered for many ProLife programs, especially annually at the state fair.  She was also a member of the Befrienders Organization.  Joyce enjoyed traveling to New Orleans, Spain and the New England coast.  The biggest career Joyce ever had was being a homemaker and caring for her family; she found great value in tending to the ones she loved. Joyce was gentle, taught her children kindness, and always had the sweetest smile.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Joyce is survived by her children, Julie (Gary) Noor of Crystal, Steve (Vicki) Vadnais of Richfield; grandchildren, Chad (Margaret), Nick, Nicole, Travis; great grandsons, Ethan and Lincoln; twin sister, Joan Mahowald of Crosslake.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur “Art”; and aunt, Martha “Tiny” Baxter.

Joyce’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Therese Care Center and North Memorial Hospice for their superb compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Therese Care Center (8000 Bass Lake Road, New Hope 55428), North Memorial Hospice (3500 France Avenue North #101, Robbinsdale MN 55422), or any ProLife organization of donor’s choice.