Joyce M. Searl

Joyce Mary Searl passed away at home following a brief illness. She embraced life with her gentle strength and innate wisdom. 

She is survived by her children, Glenn Searl, Gayle Taylor, Terri Searl DeConte and son-in-law, Gerard as well as her beloved granddaughter, Kira. In addition, she leaves her sister, Carman Pomella and brother, Robert Christian. Sister-in-laws, Arline Pearson with her husband Ron, Janice Hatch and Connie Searl all hail from Illinois. There are many nieces and nephews and their children who will also miss her sweet kindness.

Joyce was born in Allston, Massachusetts to John and Vivian Christian. In 1951, she met the love of her life, Irvin Searl and they were married for almost 60 years before he passed away. They went through their life together as loving husband and wife as well as being the best parents. In their early years together, Irv served in the Navy and was assigned to submarine duty. Joyce considered herself a true Navy wife and for many years, she was the primary parent to their 3 children. After Irv retired, they extensively traveled throughout the country in their RV, “the Rig” with Irv at the wheel and Joyce as the key navigator as he was prone to be directionally challenged. He would often comment that he knew a place like the back of his hand before admitting they were lost. These adventures were filled with love, laughter, a sense of adventure and frequent road map study. 

They both committed themselves to maintaining interesting hobbies throughout their lives. 

Joyce was known for her love of the three “B’s” - Bowling, Bingo and Bunko. She bowled on a league of women every Wednesday morning for many years and acted as the treasurer for most of them. A game lover, she fiercely played bingo with a few friends weekly. Last but not least, she played Bunko with a group of ladies. She was admired for her creatively themed bunko events that included an array of delicious foods, table settings, player cards and bunco gifts. Her children were typically invited to event plan with her on recipes and creating the perfect score cards to coordinate with her Bunko party.

Joyce will forever be missed by those lucky enough to have known her. She was the kindest person, full of grace and compassion for others. She always had something good to say about a person or situation and had the sweetest smile and disposition. She had a quietly provocative sense of humor, endless patience, the innate ability to creatively solve problems and was a lifelong friend to Jo Kernan and Fran Harnadek. 

Her children so loved her and will forever miss her. Her family and friends were her world. She could be counted on to be a caring listener and offered sage advice at just the right moment.

She loved to bake ~ cookies in particular. Chocolate chip cookies were sure winners. All who knew her savored her delicious cookies and her beautifully themed holiday foods.

Joyce was a green thumb gardener, competitive game player, faithful Red Sox fan and the best and most thoughtful communicator. She always selected just the right card for every occasion and loved to write charming notes which were always welcome additions to a recipient’s mailbox. Joyce always saw the best in everyone and everything. 

An avid reader throughout her life, she was drawn to heartfelt stories that had happy endings.

In addition to being the best mother and grandmother anyone could ask for in life, Joyce took great pride in being the nanny to the Stewart and Robinson children for many years. 

Joyce will be buried at the Bourne National Cemetery next to her husband, Irv. 

Her immediate family will celebrate her life privately. No flowers please. Instead buy a pretty posie (but not sunflowers) and plant it in your garden in her honor. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce M. Searl, please visit our floral store.