Joyce Okamae (Large) Schaafsma of Norton Shore MI, age 81, passed away December 30th, 2019. She was born the eldest of 6 siblings to Onyx & Okamae (Moore) Large, on October 19th, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joyce retired from the Grand Rapids Board of Education, working as a trainer/supervisor for an on-site work program mainstreaming individuals with special needs into jobs and careers. Joyce was married to Donald W. Schaafsma Sr. in February of 1957. Together they raised 6 children. In her free time Joyce loved to bake, garden and travel. She retired spending her summers at Lake Michigan and her winters in the Texas sun. She loved spending time with her family, and was a loving wife, a wonderful Mother and an "AWESOME" Grandmother. She had a passion for baking and generously shared her delicious creations with everyone. Joyce had an uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel special and loved. Her kindness and generosity will truly be missed. Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Donald W. Schaafsma Sr. Her Loving children, Daniel (Julie) Schaafsma, Patti Ann Schaafsma and David Schaafsma. Her siblings, Onyx (Linda) Large, Roxanne (Daniel) Fiorenzo and Greg (Tammy) Large. Several Grand Children, and Great Grand Children. She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 of her children, Donald Jr. (Carol), Joel Schaafsma & Julie (Schaasfma) Hull. There will be a Celebration of Life from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday January 5, 2020 at the VFW Post 830, at 557 11th St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in Joyce's name to: Harbor Hospice of Michigan, 1050 W. Western Ave, Suite #400, Muskegon Mi 49441.



Service Information

Service
When: Sunday, January 5, 2020 2:00pm
Location: VFW Post #830
Address: 557 11th St. NWGrand Rapids,Michigan 49504