Joyce E. Wagner

Joyce Elaine Briggs Wagner of Alfred passed on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2023 at 90 years of age. She always enjoyed Spring with gardening and yard work. She looked forward to seeing the first crocuses and daffodils sprouting in her gardens. Joyce was born November 22, 1932, at the family farm in Alfred Gore, daughter of James E. and Arline M. Drown Briggs. Her name, Joyce Elaine Briggs was chosen so her initials would be the same as her father. J.E.B. like her older sister, Jacqueline Edna Briggs. A graduate of Alfred High School, class of 1950. Her first job off the farm was waitressing at the Ocean House at York Beach. She was employed at Raytheon Department Store in Waltham, Massachusetts while attending Scott Carbee School of Art in Boston. Upon returning to Maine, she worked at Goodall Sanford Mills in the laboratory division. Later she worked in the family business, Four Winds Café for several years which was in the Alfred Square in the building next to the Alfred Country Store. Her most endearing job was being wife and homemaker, caring for her husband, Joe and their home. After high school graduation, she worked and lived at the Ocean House on York Beach for the Summer. This is where Joyce met the love of her life, Joe. She married Joseph M. Wagner on July 16, 1955, at the Alfred Congregational Church. Joe predeceased her in 2011, after 56 years of marriage. Together, they spent many years working on their historic homestead on Saco Road in Alfred, which they purchased in 1963 from the Estate of Dorothy True, after living in the apartment above the Four Winds Café. Among her many interests were antiquing, art (she painted unique seascapes on tree fungus), caning chairs, gardening and most importantly making a comfortable home for Joe and herself. She was well known by family and friends for making the best Christmas Cookies and other sweets. Joyce (Auntie Jo) enjoyed sending and recieved cards at Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. She rarely forgot to get out a birthday card to family and friends. She loved to write a note about the weather and how important the birthday was for the person receiving the card. Joyce was a covenant member of the former North Alfred Baptist Church and a parish member of the Alfred Congregational Church. Though no longer an active member of the church, she was a devoted Christian. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, James and Arline; and her sisters, Jacqueline Gerrish and Constance Briggs; and her husband, Joseph. She is survived by her brother, Paul Briggs of Kennebunk ; nephew, James Gerrish and wife, Julie of Alfred; niece, Mary Winn and husband, Arnold of West Newfield; and Joe’s nephew, Kurt Wagner and wife, Lisa of Peach Bottom, PA; and cousin, Joan Dupuis Drolet of New Hampshire, great nephews; Jeb Gerrish and wife, Jennifer and Thomas Winn and wife, Jessica of Limerick; Jess Gerrish and wife, Bethani of Beddington, Johnathan Winn and wife, Hannah and Timothy Winn and wife, Sarah of West Newfield; great nieces; Lacey Winn of Alfred and Jaime Chipman and husband, Wesley of Bass Harbor. Great-great nephews; Aiden, Nathan, Kristian, Kayden, Perrin and Ryder; and great-great nieces; Ava, Ella, Sydney, Brooklyn, Kallie, Reese, Eilish, and Freyja. Auntie Jo loved spending Christmas Eve with her family. In the last few years, the event was hosted by Tim and Sarah Winn at their home in West Newfield where her sister, Jackie and nephew, great nephews, great-great nephews, niece, great nieces, and great-great nieces and spouses attended. She loved all the hugs and attention she recieved from her family, not to mention the many wonderful treats. The family would like to thank Sue Babb and Rachel Gulotta, who were her aides over the past four years, the staff at the Inn at Deerfield, Brookhaven Hospice team, and a very special thanks to Kurt Tielinen, who was her favorite and special aide. Joyce’s face always lit up at the mention of Kurt. His care and attentiveness made her feel special. Thank you! A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence click on Joyces’ Remember Page.