Joyce M. Colwell | Eastern NC Now

    Joyce M. Colwell, resident of Washington, passed away at home on Friday, September 11, 2015 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

    Her courage and determination to win the battle were formidable, and her doctors, friends and family were invaluable in their support.

    Joyce was born in Waterbury, CT on September 30, 1930 to Harold and Marie Senior. She is survived by daughter Cheryl Monahan and husband David of Twin Mountain, NH, Bill DeWolf and wife Laurel of Grants Pass, OR, and Gregg DeWolf and wife Jean of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. She lost husband Gordon DeWolf in 1991 and her son Gordon DeWolf Jr. in 1996. Her husband Larry Colwell died last year.

    Joyce was a dedicated wife and mother with strong principles and a passion for speaking the truth as she understood it. She instilled the importance of these same qualities in her children, providing them with a strong foundation for their own lives. Though small in stature, she had an unmistakable presence that communicated assurance and authority. One always knew where one stood with her.

    Through the years, Joyce was an avid tennis player and sail and power boater, interests she shared with her husbands. After moving from New Bern to Washington in 1993, she and Larry enjoyed traveling to their various timeshares taking tennis clinics and playing mixed doubles with people they met. If they knew there would be a body of water around, they towed their small sailboat and did some sailing. They also went white water rafting and did the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking and golfing were also on the agenda.

    As long as she was able, Joyce was involved in the local chapter of the PEO Sisterhood, an international association dedicated to helping women achieve their potential, principally through educational opportunities. She was also active in the Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron. Following service as Secretary, she took office as the local chapter's first woman Commander.

    In respect of Joyce's wishes, there will be no visitations or memorial services.

    However, boating education was especially important to both she and Larry, so if anyone would like to make a memorial contribution, please send it to The Colwell Education Fund, Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron c/o Robert Young, Treasurer, 215 Pungo Lane, Chocowinity, NC 27817.

    You may share a memory with the family and view Mrs. Colwell's memorial by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Colwell family.