Joyce Peterson

Joyce Peterson, 92, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, in Royalston, MA, where she lived with her eldest daughter. Born August 1, 1932, in Owego, NY, Joyce was the eighth child of the late Paul and Charlotte (Bueg) Berkeley. As a farmer's daughter, she grew up learning valuable lessons on the family farm: hard work, humor, resilience, and responsibility.

Joyce attended local country schools through high school, and then ventured to Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, MA. There she earned her initial 2 yr. nursing degree, with practical training at New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, MA during the early 1950s. Later, she moved out west, worked at a hospital in Los Angeles, CA before continuing her education at Walla Walla College, in Washington state. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, and met the love of her life, Paul Peterson. They married the day after Christmas, 1957.

During their 60+ years together, Joyce the nurse, and her husband, Pastor Paul, humbly served others as caring Seventh-day Adventist Christians. They lived briefly in Seattle, then Maryland, West Virginia, and "settled" in Massachusetts in 1964. Joyce worked as an RN in various hospitals and nursing homes over the years, in Athol, Attleboro, Brockton, Fitchburg, and Baldwinville; moving multiple times due to her husband's job demands.

Joyce devotedly "juggled" the many duties of a minister's wife, a mother of three, and a nurse despite often challenging circumstances. She demonstrated her faith by calmly facing adversity with resilience and an unwavering work ethic, tempered by a genuine love for people, a quick wit, and a generous smile.

Gifted with a rich alto voice, Joyce would often sing duets with her husband in church. Her other talents included sewing, crocheting, knitting, and drawing, as well as hosting festive social events for family and church gatherings.

Joyce dearly loved her family and made consistent efforts to stay in touch with her many siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws all over the country. Her very happiest times were those spent with her cherished grandchildren. 

Joyce retired early from her nursing career due to back issues, yet she continued to do volunteer church work, and often cared for her grandchildren. Eventually, she also became caregiver for her husband, until she required caregivers as well, as both suffered from forms of dementia.

Joyce's final years were spent living with her care-giver daughter in rural Royalston, surrounded by the beauties of nature, family, good music, and an attentive, old Australian Shephard named Sam.

The legacy of love, hope, faith, and resilience Joyce leaves behind will be remembered and, her memory honored by her children, Brenda Porter (Ernest) of Royalston, Judy Hayes (Dan) of Springfield; and Eric Peterson of Clinton; grandchildren, Nicole Camacho (Justin), Robyn Peterson, of MA; Andrew Maclean (fiancé, Kristen), and Peter Maclean of Ontario, Canada; great grandchildren, Joel Tiru, and Madelynn of MA; in-laws, Roberta Berkeley Smith, and John and Lee Peterson; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, June Nelson and June Willey.

The family is especially grateful to the Central Care VNA/Hospice Team nurses and CNAs for their dedicated care and support for Joyce during her final months. We will never forget the difference you made through the difficult journey. 

The family has chosen a private celebration of life.