Joyce A. Lance

Mrs. Major Joyce A. Lance, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, was called to her eternal home on June 22, 2023. Born on September 15, 1926, in New Castle, PA, she lived a life that was a testament to the power of love, faith, and service.

Joyce Lance, began her journey in the Salvation Army Training School, where she dedicated her life to serving the Lord and others. As a Salvation Army Officer, she touched countless lives with her unwavering commitment to her faith and her community. Her love for the Lord was evident to all who knew her, and she lived by the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:13, "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Joyce's love for her family was immeasurable, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her daughters, Judith Steigert and her husband Frederick (deceased) with their daughter Cassandra Olesen; Janet Gregor and her husband John and their daughters Adrienne and Katelyn; and her son Kenneth A. Lance and his wife Linda Gagnon Lance (deceased) and children Kenneth, Megan, and Kim Lance. Her daughter Kathi Yost and her husband Calvin and their children Jocelyn, Jillian, and Debra will continue to cherish her memory, along with her great-grandchildren, Bronwyne Nagle, and Sorren Olesen, Kenneth Jr., Arianna, Katherine, and Grace, Siobhan, and Mikayla, Lennox. She is predeceased by her daughter Sandra McGugan but survived by her husband James and their step-son Alvin (JR) Skoog. She is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Economy and Rosemarie (Vicky) White and her nieces, nephews and additional loved ones. She is predeceased by her brothers, James, Donald and William Gordon. 

Music was a cornerstone of Joyce's life, and she found great joy in playing the piano and singing with her husband. Her melodious voice could be heard in the Songsters, and her talent for playing the horn in the band was admired by all. As a woman of faith, she found solace in reading scripture, and her knowledge of the Word was a source of strength and inspiration for all who knew her.

Joyce was also an athletic woman who enjoyed playing tennis, archery, and riding her bicycle built for two. She found serenity in the beauty of nature, and her love for Lake George was a testament to her appreciation for God's creation. It was there that she found peace and tranquility, a place where her spirit could commune with the Lord.

As we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Joyce A. Lance, let us not mourn her passing, but rejoice in the knowledge that she has found eternal peace and rest in the arms of her Savior. As the great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "To be with Christ is the fullness of joy, and to be like Christ is the fullness of glory."

Let us take comfort in the knowledge that Joyce now resides in that place of joy and glory and may her life serve as a shining example of the power of love, faith, and service, and may we all strive to follow in her footsteps. May the memories of her love, laughter, and devotion bring you comfort in the days and years to come.

In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we commend the soul of Joyce A. Lance to her eternal rest. Amen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 27th at the Salvation Army Church (661 Main Street, Manchester CT 06040) at 2:30pm. Refreshments will be provided by the Salvation Army following services. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Salvation Army located at 661 Main Street, Manchester CT 06040. 

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