Joyce Arlene Milligan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend on January 28, 2022. Joyce passed peacefully, with the love of her family surrounding her.

Joyce Arlene Milligan was born, April 19, 1934, to Gabrielle “Charlie” and Assunta (nee Vigna) DeSimon in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  She was the youngest of eight children, raised in a bustling Italian home, a gathering place for many, always filled with laughter and love. As an adult, family would continue to be a great source of delight and pride for Joyce.  She went on to make great memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren as well as her siblings and extended family. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, Corwin “Corky” Milligan, her three loving children, CoreyAnn (Jeff) Milligan-Gniewek of Brighton, MI, Randall (Sue) Milligan of Williamsburg, VA, Robert (Trina) Milligan of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and by her sister, Dorothy (Robert) Bonell of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Joyce is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan Gniewek, Michael Milligan, Casey Milligan, Aurora (Jordan) Ramsey, and Brandon Maeers, who were the joy of her life.

One of Joyce’s greatest passions was teaching. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s from Northern Michigan University, graduating with Honors and was inducted as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society. Working in education in both Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, she was an ardent teacher, administrator, and professor for 40 years, and is fondly remember by many of her students as a dedicated mentor.

Active in many organizations, Joyce was devout Christian, and gave much of her time to the church. She served in the Altar Society at both St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral (Sault Ste. Marie, Mi) and St Francis Xavier (Brimley, Mi) where she was also the Chairperson for the Pasty Committee. She was also involved in BPW, the Sault Bowling Association, G. Verdi Lodge, Princess Marie Jose Lodge and National Council, Marconi Society, and the Christopher Columbus Italian Society.

A memorial gathering will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday, February 4, 2022, at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home.  A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with Father Nick and Father Tim as co-celebrants.

Joyce is now Resting in Peace with Christ our Lord

In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s, St Francis Xavier Parish, or St Mary’s Parish or School, or Hospice of EUP.