Yvonne Joyce Hatch

Yvonne "Joyce" Hatch, age 80, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away Saturday evening, February 20, 2016 at her home. Joyce was born on September 13, 1935 in Shingleton, Michigan to John and Celeste "Lesty" (King) Burgess. On September 12, 1953, she married Albert Lewis Hatch in Ozark, Michigan. Joyce graduated from Sault High School and later earned an Associate's Degree from LSSU. She worked for 27 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department, retiring as a Sergeant. During her career she mentored many women and paved the way for future female officers. She was a life member of the Women Police of Michigan, Inc. Joyce enjoyed listening to her husband, Al sing and pick his guitar. She was pleased that her sons and two grandsons shared the same talent. Her summers were spent gardening, camping and making pies with apples from her trees. She spent many years going to flea markets with her daughters and bringing home treasures. Her extensive cookbook collection is impressive! She was the grandkids' "#1 Fan". For many years she attended all of their sports events, where she took stats and cheered them on, while proudly displaying their buttons on her hat. Joyce had a passion for travel, which she satisfied during her retirement years. She visited many states but she especially loved the Oregon coast and Sedona Arizona. Her enthusiasm in researching her family roots led her and her daughter to Germany in 1989 to Schillingsfurst, a small Bavarian town where her Great Grandfather had been the local blacksmith. Always ready for another adventure, she subsequently made many more trips to Europe. She was interested and eager to learn the history of each country and town she visited. While in London, Joyce climbed the 528 steps to the highest point of St. Paul's Cathedral. She hiked through the glens of Scotland and climbed Mt Snowden in Wales. In France, she walked the beaches of Normandy, was amazed at Mont Saint-Michel, and looked out over Paris from atop the Eiffel tower. She enjoyed the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle on a second trip to Germany. In Switzerland she walked the 400 year old Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. Driving with friends on the winding roads of Austria was another memorable experience. Her most recent trip was to Ireland to overlook the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Joyce was fortunate to have such good friends to share these exciting times. Joyce is survived by her six children: Yvonne Burke of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Marlene (Steve) Hillman of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Charlotte (Jeff) Geske of Lapeer, MI, Albert (Karen) Hatch, Jr. of Traverse City, MI, Debbie Cook of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Gary (Sheila) Hatch of Hendersonville, TN; 15 Grandchildren: Christopher, Nathan, and Nicholas Hillman, Jacob and Eli Geske, Conor, Evan, Jonah, Jacqueline, and Melissa Hatch, Caleb, Rachel, and Hannah Cook, Gabrielle and Landon Hatch, and one great grandchild: Ella Cook. She is also survived by a sister: Jacqueline Starnes of Warren, MI. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Albert L. Hatch Sr. (by only three days), her parents, two brothers: Raymond and Ralph Burgess; and two sisters: Dorothy Bradley and Elaine Lovegrove; and a son-in-law: Donald Cook. A celebration of life for Joyce and Albert will be held early in the summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Hospice of the EUP.

Tributes

Yvonne Joyce Hatch

September 13, 1935 - February 20, 2016