Obituary of DOROTHY JEAN JOYER

Dorothy Jean Joyer, 83, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022, with family by her side, after suffering a period of rapidly declining health. She will be remembered fondly by her family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances for her gentle and sweet nature. She was a quiet, unassuming lady with a remarkable inner strength and determination that was evident throughout her life. Dorothy was born on August 15, 1938 to John and Jean Kudela in Niagara Falls, NY. Hers was a happy childhood shared with her twin sisters, Patricia and Mary Lou and her brother, Teddy, whom she was especially close to. She also had many good childhood friends including Annette (Turcotte) Snyder and Gloria (Skowronski) Kozminiski who remained dear friends throughout her lifetime. In 1960, Dorothy married George A. Joyer, and a year later gave birth to their only child, Annette Michelle. In 1962, the three of them moved across the country and began to build their lives in Northern California which would remain their home for many decades. In the early 1970's, Dorothy and her husband purchased a 3.5 acre parcel of land in the Sierra Foothills outside of Sacramento and built a home. This idyllic, wooded setting with several mature live oak trees, rolling open meadows, and a small stream became a favorite destination for family and friends to visit. Dorothy helped to entertain the visitors and always had a delicious meal to serve. Dorothy also tended a large garden on the property and each summer would can many jars and quarts from the gardens harvest. In addition, she would make blackberry jam and pies from the wild vines that grew on the property. After being a housewife and mother for many years, in the mid 1970's Dorothy decided she wanted to begin working outside the home. She was hired as an office assistant at a local travel agency. She loved the job and it also gave her the opportunity to travel to a variety of exciting locations. With her family, she took trips to Paris, Rome, Mexico City, London, and other locales. After 10 years of country living, Dorothy and her family moved back to the city and settled once again into East Sacramento in a quaint house on a lovely tree-lined street. Mom began working for a temporary employment agency and was often placed as a office worker at local law offices. Dorothy quickly gained a reputation as an excellent worker and typist and was in demand for many years as a valued employee by law offices in downtown Sacramento. Dorothy's husband passed away in 1999 and she continued to work for several years until retiring in 2001. In her later years, Dorothy enjoyed gardening, reading mystery and suspense novels, cooking and baking, and keeping up with world events. In 2018, she sold her East Sacramento home of over 30 years and moved to an independent living community called The Village at Heritage Park in the Natomas area of Sacramento. She thoroughly enjoyed the carefree and gracious lifestyle of her new senior living home. In 2021, Dorothy left California, which had been her home for nearly 60 years, and moved to Niceville, Florida to be near her daughter. Dorothy had not been to Florida prior to the move, but immediately liked her new home and appreciated the Florida lifestyle. Dorothy struggled with declining health for her final few years, however she treasured the opportunity to be close to her family in such a beautiful environment during this time. Arrangements entrusted to Family-Funeral & Cremation of Mary Esther, FL (850)226-4240.