Joyce Edna Heaton

JOYCE EDNA HEATON

We are saddened to announce the passing of Joyce Edna Heaton on September 6, 2026, at her home in Westbrook, Maine, after a short illness. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, friend, and devoted member of many communities.

Joyce was born on June 2, 1956, in Poughkeepsie, NY. She lived a life marked by compassion, purpose, faith, and an unwavering commitment to other people. For 40 years she was the cherished wife of Steve Ouellette, creating a home filled with love, laughter, generosity, and welcome.

Joyce was the loving mother of Madeleine (husband Immad Khan) and Isabelle, and the proud grandmother of Zayaan, Zara, and Zaiden. Her family will remember her warm embraces, encouraging words, thoughtful advice, and how she made every birthday, holiday, school event, and visit so special. She took great joy in the accomplishments of her family and was their most faithful supporter.

Joyce was President of her Poughkeepsie High School graduating class and a Fordham University graduate. She was an IBM manager, a private water company owner and manager, and the owner and operator of her special joy, the J.E. Heaton Jewelers in Millbrook, NY.

Joyce dedicated countless hours to many organizations and causes, including leadership roles in the Poughkeepsie Junior League, Millbrook Rotary Club, New Year’s Eve Millbrook, and her Portland coffee club.

Joyce was a devoted participant at State Street Church in Portland and Lyall Community Church in Millbrook. She found great comfort and fellowship with her Church families, and her kindness, presence, and concern for others touched many lives.

Joyce was admired for her grace, creativity, hard work, and ability to bring people together. Whether organizing an event, mentoring new members, volunteering, or helping someone in need, she gave generously of her time and heart. She was a thoughtful listener, a loyal friend, and a source of comfort in difficult times. Joyce had a gift for making people feel valued and loved, and her warmth, humor, strength, and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence Adna and Jane Davis Heaton. She is survived by her siblings (Joanna Selim, Hooker Heaton, and Virginia Keller), many in-laws, nieces, and nephews, and a wide circle of friends, church families, colleagues, and community members, all of whom will miss her deeply.

A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on September 26, 2026, at State Street Church, 159 State St., Portland, ME; and at 11:00 AM on October 3, 2026, at Lyall Community Church, 30 Maple Ave., Millbrook, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, State Street Church, Lyall Community Church, or Millbrook Rotary.

Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but her love will continue to guide those she left behind. Joyce made the world shine brighter through her faith, service, and care for others.