Joyce Maguire Demers' Obituary
Methuen, MA – Joyce Maguire Demers died peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on February 16, 2022. Born in Methuen on May 1, 1931 to parents, Esther (Moore) and John Maguire, Joyce lived 90 high-spirited years filled with more love, laughter and shenanigans than most would have in two lifetimes.
She was a graduate of Searles High School’s class of 1949, where she was chosen most popular girl and best all-round girl. Joyce earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Psychology in 1953 from Colby College in Waterville, Maine and also two Associate Degrees from The Hartford Indemnity School of Insurance.
For 20 plus years, Joyce was an innovative and dedicated employee of the City of Methuen’s tax collector’s office. She was proud to serve the city she called home for her entire life. Joyce served as the secretary of the Methuen Credit Union and spent many years on their board. She was a member of The Northern Essex Community College Women’s Guild for many years. She served on the Methuen High School Reunion Committee and recently celebrated her 70th reunion luncheon with several lifelong friends. She was admired and deeply respected by her peers throughout the Merrimack Valley.
Our wild Irish rose was renowned for her beaming smile, her sharp and sassy wit, her kindness, compassion, and generosity; her enduring beauty, and her genuine love and empathy for people from all walks of life. Joyce loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends sharing a meal, clinking glasses and simply celebrating life. When with her, one couldn’t help but think, “When Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.” Yes, Joyce stole our hearts. Joyce was also an avid gardener and spent endless hours toiling in the soil and took pride in having a green thumb.
Joyce was a long-time communicant of St. Monica's Parish, a committed contributor to the Franciscan Brothers and was devoted to St. Anthony and St. Jude. The strength and comfort she derived from her faith carried her through all of life’s challenges.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Ronald (Biff) Demers, her sister, Patricia Bilodeau, and her brother, John (Jackie) Maguire. She is survived by her children, Melissa Carlan and her fiancé, Joseph Silva, of Methuen MA, Sara Correia and her husband, Bruce, of Salem, NH, John (Jack) Demers of Methuen and Kevin Demers and his wife, Chemene, of Tucson AZ; her six grandchildren, Shannon Kryzynski and her husband, Keith, of Methuen, Stephanie Donnelly and her husband, Marek, of Newark Delaware, Lindsay Lesiczka of Epping, NH, Katie Gallant also of Epping, Joseph Gallant and his wife, Olivia, of North Andover, and Zain Demers of Pembroke, NH; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; one nephew; and multiple great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Calling hours will be from 4-8pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 11:00 am at St Monica’s Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Relay for Life, PO Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701. Please make checks payable to: American Cancer Society. In the memo section of the check, please include: Relay for Life. Also, please include sender’s name and address. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Demers family.
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?
