Joyce Love

Throughout her life’s journey, Joyce Love was known for her sacrificial nature, her unconditional love, and her nurturing heart, but it was her enduring faith for which she will be remembered most. To Joyce, faith was not something to keep on a shelf until times got rough, rather her faith was a living, breathing cornerstone in her life each that guided her every thought, word, and deed. She had a special place in her heart for children and devoted herself to caring for the children and grandchildren she was blessed with. Joyce leaves behind countless precious memories that will be forever treasured.

The 1930s were a time in our nation’s history that was cloaked in hardship due to the Great Depression. The year 1932 was a particularly difficult year since over 13 million people had lost their jobs since 1929 and industrial stocks had lost 80 percent of their value since 1930. There were still milestones to celebrate, however, such as in the family of Edward and Clara (Benschop) Nelson with the birth of their daughter, Joyce, on October 2nd. Joyce was born in Chicago, Illinois, as one of five children in her family. She was raised in the family home on the south side of Chicago where she learned to love music, especially old hymns, at a young age. Joyce attended Brennen Grade School and as a young girl, she and some of her classmates frequented the local candy maker in Chicago in hopes of receiving free candy from the workers on break. She underwent surgery three times during her formative years to correct her cross-eyes. Joyce enjoyed annual trips to Clearwater or Vero Beach, Florida, and as a high school student, she attended Fenger Academy High School. When she was 19, she took a road trip with a couple of girl friends to Niagara Falls, creating memories that she always fondly recalled.

In 1953, Joyce’s family moved to the Kankakee area, but Joyce remained in Chicago where she worked at the Chicago Motor Club. On weekends, she would come home to visit her family and this is where she met the the young man she would marry and create the family she cherished. His name was Richard Love, and they met at the Farm Bureau get-togethers on North Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee, IL. They developed a relationship together, often going to church, taking in a movie, or just grabbing a hamburger. On one occasion, Richard’s father let Joyce drive the hayrack to the spot to drop the hay. It was then that Richard’s father put in his two cents about Joyce by telling his son, “you let that one get away and you’re not that smart!” During one special date, Joyce and Richard were walking out to the car to get ready to go when Richard mustered up enough courage to ask Joyce to be his wife. She was thrilled to accept his proposal. After dating for one year, the couple was married on June 2, 1956, at Central Christian Church in Kankakee.

Nothing could have pleased Joyce more than becoming a mother. She and Richard were blessed with three sons altogether. Joyce immersed herself into caring for her children and was actively involved in their lives as she spent a lot of time volunteering at her children’s school through the years. The Love family greatly enjoyed camping and fishing together. One memorable trip was the one they took to Hayward, Wisconsin, only because it rained the whole week! They also took a few road trips to see Joyce’s father in Florida. They spent time skating on the farm, and Richard will forever treasure the memories he made while on a special skating trip to Willow Slough, Indiana. Joyce made sure they had dinner as a family every night, and they always marked Christmas with a real tree each year – no exceptions! Joyce certainly knew how to have fun with her children, but discipline had a place in their home, too. Mark never forgot the time he got his mouth washed out with liquid soap because he said a bad word!

Over the years, Joyce enjoyed many things. She liked traveling with her husband and they often fished together, too, with Joyce usually baiting her own hook. She did a lot of reading and had an extensive collection of books. When her family grew to include grandchildren, spending time with them quickly became one of Joyce’s favorite things to do. She was known to get down on the floor to give her grandchildren horsey rides. Joyce liked to cook, knit, and play cards – usually euchre, gin rummy, or kings in the corner. She loved to sing and wasn’t shy about singing in public. She sang in the “Messiah” with her father at the Roseland Presbyterian Church in Chicago. Joyce possessed a vibrant faith and faithfully read her Bible each evening for 30 minutes. She was a longtime member of Central Christian Church in Bourbonnais where she was a member of the choir for several years. Joyce also led a class there in which she had open discussions with the group. Joyce worked as a licensed cook for the First Baptist Church in Momence for 14 years.

There were so many things that made Joyce Love such an extraordinary woman. She was a warm-hearted person who never thought twice about putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Joyce was honest and genuine, and she never had a bad word to say about anyone. She viewed being a mother and grandmother as a special gift and spent much of her time showing her children and grandchildren how dearly they were loved. Although she enjoyed traveling, Joyce was always happiest to be wherever she could be with her family. She leaves behind lessons in generosity, compassion, and unconditional love that will be her lasting legacy. Joyce will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Joyce Love of Momence died at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee IL. Joyce’s family includes her sons: Richard “Rick” (Brenda) Love of Elkton MI, and Mark (Judy) Love of Brunswick OH, one daughter in law: Veronica Love of Momence, IL, grandchildren: Tanya, Rebekah, Richard, Michaela, Jonathan, Ethan, Kelley, Austin, Grace, and April Love, three brothers: Charles (Jean) Nelson of Huntington IN, Thomas (Marla) Nelson of Minnetonka MN, and Donald (Gwen) Nelson of Tomah WI, and one sister: Janet (James) Caldwell of Adrian MI. Joyce was preceded in death by one son: Edward, and one brother: Edward Nelson. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 at the Central Christian Church in Bourbonnais. Dr. Franklin Garton will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the Bourbonnais Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service at Central Christian Church on Monday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Central Christian Church in Bourbonnais.