Margaret Martina Joyce

PORTLAND - Margaret M. Joyce, 91, formerly of Portland, died Friday, April 20, 2012 at her son's home in Steep Falls, following a long illness. Her loving family was by her side. Margaret and her twin sister Alice were born on November 8, 1920 at the then new Mercy Hospital on the corner of State and Spring Street, to George W. and Margaret A. Carey Alexander. Her twin sister died at the age of two from meningitis. Margaret attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School. She went on to attend the Farmington Teachers College, which is now the University of Maine at Farmington, transferring to the University of Maine at Gorham where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She taught at Shailer Elementary School in Portland where she herself attended as a child. She went on to teach at Roosevelt and then Longfellow Elementary School, retiring after a thirty year teaching career. In her spare time, Margaret enjoyed spending summers on Little Diamond Island with her husband and sons. Her greatest love was being surrounded by her family and friends and was especially joyful when her four grandchildren were by her side. Margaret was under Hospice Care during her final days. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to nurse Pam Shay, caregiver Norma Roberts and Dr. Daniel Merson for the excellent care and kindness given to their mother and grandmother. Margaret was predeceased by her husband of forty seven years, Thomas P. Joyce Sr. who died on March 7, 1998. She is survived by two sons Thomas P. Joyce Jr. of Steep Falls, Peter M. and his wife Carla Joyce of Cumberland, four grandchildren Christopher, Alexander, Kellie and Kristina Joyce. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 9:15am followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.