Joyce B. Diaz

Joyce Bonathan Judd Diaz, of McKinley Manor in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, passed away at War Memorial Hospital on March 1, 2011. She was born June 28, 1925 in Baraga, MI with the assistance of a midwife from the L''Anse-Baraga Reservation, the fifth child of Florence (Bonathan) and Emmanuel Charles Judd. She is survived by her children, Janine (Jerry) Parish and Jon (Jan) Diaz; grandchildren Jeremy (Judith) Parish, Jennifer Parish, Justine Diaz, and Carolyn Diaz; and great-granddaughter, Willa Parish. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Florence and Emmanuel Judd, sisters Dorothy Judd, Ethel Gorthy and Isabel Weesner, and brother Dr. Alvin E. Judd; and by her dear friend, Virginia Dunham. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Elaine Judd, and several nieces, nephews and cousins, who remembered her frequently through caring communication. Joyce served as an educator in Michigan Public Schools and Universities for over 37 years. She graduated from Michigan State College in 1947 with a B.A. in Journalism and Literature, wrote for the Michigan State News, and taught English as a graduate teaching assistant. She received an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Michigan in 1968. Her tenure included teaching English in Davison High School (1950-52), teaching and counseling in Birmingham High School (1952-56), and as an English teacher at Whittier Junior High School in Flint, MI (1960-1985). During her years in Flint Public Schools, she was a co-founder of the United Teachers of Flint and the Sarvis Food Program, assisting student welfare. She was recognized for her energy in curriculum development, and for organizing student projects and writing contests. Joyce loved to write and sought a career in publishing in New York and Chicago immediately after college. She continued to write poetry and essays, and engaged her students in every aspect of spoken and written language, from remedial reading instruction to poetry, essay and novel writing. She encouraged all of her students to realize their full potential, and often said, "If I reach one student each day, I will have done my job." She enjoyed nature, poetry and music, and the company of friends and family. Visitation will be held from 9 a�" 11 AM, with a Funeral Mass following at 11 AM on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at St. James'' Episcopal Church, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. An internment will be held at a later date at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Flint, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. James'' Episcopal Church Music (Organ)Fund. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Joyce B. Diaz

June 28, 1925 - March 1, 2011