Joyce Jeannita Lafy, 77, passed away on September 9, 2026, at Swedish Medical Center. She was born on April 6, 1949, in Camden-on-Gauley, West Virginia, to John Annis Meadows and Jeannita Margarette Young. She lived a life devoted to her family, her nursing career, and the many people she came to love along the way.

Joyce spent parts of her childhood in Raymond, Washington; Camden-on-Gauley, West Virginia; and Fayetteville, North Carolina. Over the years, she also lived in Panama, Plattsburgh, New York, Towanda, Pennsylvania, and eventually Aberdeen, Washington.

Joyce married Carl Willis Lafy on May 2, 1967, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Where she proceeded to follow him and his military career to Panama and Plattsburgh. After his 20 years in the Air Force, his retirement led them to his home town, Towanda, Pennsylvania, in 1980. Together, they built a life filled with family and cherished memories. After his death on December 8th 2018, she returned to Aberdeen, Washington, where most of her family resides, along with her daughter and 5 grandchildren.

Joyce dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She began her healthcare career as a certified nursing assistant in Plattsburgh, then in Towanda, Pennsylvania. She continued her education, becoming an LPN and later earning her RN in 1990. She went on to further her education and earn her bachelor’s degree, building a long and meaningful career as a registered nurse. She retired in 2018.

Throughout her years as a nurse, Joyce made friendships that became family. She especially treasured the relationships she formed with former coworkers, including Florence Birdsall, Jan Painter, Anita Bennett, Rosita Filling, and Carole Gehring. These friendships remained meaningful to her throughout the years.

Joyce was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, and friend. She is survived by her children, Robert (Randy) Lafy and Mary Lewis; her five grandchildren, Morgan, Brooke, Jordyn, Kherington, Cason and one great-grandchild, Braelyn; her brother, George Roberts; and her sister, Della Neeley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Willis Lafy; parents John Meadows and Jeannita Davis; brothers Larry Meadows, Michael Meadows, and Dean Roberts.

Joyce will be remembered for her caring heart, her dedication to helping others, the friendships she held close, and most of all, the love she had for her family.

Her life touched many people, both through the family she cherished and through the years she spent caring for others as a nurse. The memories she leaves behind will continue to be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service in her honor will be held on October 17th, 2026 from 3:00pm-6:00pm, at the Cosmopolis Lions Club in Cosmopolis WA.