Joyce C. Stone

HUTCHINSON ISLAND, FL/HOLDEN - Joyce C. Stone, 85, of Hutchinson Island, FL and formerly of Holden, MA and Mashpee, MA, died peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born in Worcester, MA, daughter of the late Dr. Enar and Ruth (Lindblad) Gustafson. Her husband of 54 years, the late Michael F. Stone passed away in 2017. Joyce is survived by her children Sharon M. Beer (Robert) of Paxton, MA, Kimberly A. Sollows (Jeffrey) of Centerville, MA, Jeffrey M. Stone (Rebeca) of Barrigada, Guam, and Kevin M. Stone (Donna) of Holden, MA; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband, Joyce was predeceased by 4 grandchildren including Nicholas K. Sollows, Joshua M. Stone, Kaitlyn E. Stone, and Jayden R. Stone.

Joyce was raised in the Columbus Park neighborhood of Worcester, MA and graduated from South High School Class of 1958. Joyce and Mike raised their children on Pinebrook Lane in Holden, where they built lifelong friendships with neighbors that brought her immense joy. These carefree years, surrounded by her family and dear friends, were truly the happiest of her life, and she often looked back on them with gratitude and fondness.

Joyce was a full-time homemaker and part-time waitress, working several years in Holden at The Rustic restaurant and Holden Hills Country Club. In her later years, she worked on Cape Cod as a Home Health Aide. Joyce was a former member of Greendale Peoples Church in Worcester where she sang in the choir and also directed the Children’s Choir. In retirement, Joyce played the organ and piano at Chapel by the Sea church services at Holiday Out in Jensen Beach, FL.

Joyce and Mike retired to Cape Cod and Jensen Beach, FL in 1994 and her true home became Dowses Beach on the Cape and Hutchinson Island in Jensen Beach. She was happiest with her toes in the sand, savoring her favorite “indulgences” while enjoying laughter and stories with friends and family. If heaven has a beach, we imagine she's already settled into her chair, enjoying the sea breeze, keeping an eye on the tide, and enjoying a well-earned moment of relaxation.

Joyce’s greatest joy was being a proud grandmother to her 11 beloved grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Though she endured the heartbreaking loss of 4 grandchildren, she carried their memories in her heart every day.

At Joyce’s request, a Memorial Service will be held this winter at Chapel by the Sea in Jensen Beach, FL, at a date to be determined. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joyce’s name may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, One Bulfinch Place, Boston, MA 02114.