Joyce Padgett, 97, of Fish Lake, IN, and formerly of Gary, IN, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.
She was born July 22, 1917, in Trenton, Nova Scotia, Canada, to John and Ella (Faulkner) Mac Donald.
Joyce was the sage of Fish Lake and was loved by all who knew her. She was an avid traveler, baker and lover of life. She worked at and owned with her late husband, Bob, Pla-Bowl Lanes in New Chicago, IN. She would babysit for the women’s leagues and make donuts for the senior citizens. She was active in the Lions Club with her husband. Joyce loved to entertain; from throwing a cocktail party, dinner party or bowling banquet, it was right up her alley. Joyce traveled around the country and always was ready for an adventure. No one really knew her true age as she was forever “39” and holding. She loved a good vodka martini “up, hold the olive” because it took up too much space in the glass. She loved playing Hand and Foot and 31. Her motto was, “This party goes on for 14 days!” The world became a little darker place the day Nana passed away.
On Sept. 6, 1941, she married her loving husband, Robert M. Padgett, who preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joan Doty; and brother, George Mac Donald.
Surviving are her daughters, Melody J. Padgett of Hobart, IN, and Dawn P. (Thomas L.) Miller of Fayetteville, NC; and grandsons, Michael T. Padgett of Chicago, Alexander T. Miller of Alexandria, VA, and Cameron M. Miller of Fayetteville, NC/West Lafayette, IN.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
