Joyce A. Dewey

VERONA – Joyce Aaberg Dewey, age 84, of Madison, died suddenly on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at her residence in Noel Manor in Verona. She was born on Feb. 2, 1935 in Mankato, Minn., the daughter of Ruth (Roberts) and Karl Aaberg. Joyce graduated from Mankato High School, where she met her husband of 62 years, William Dewey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University, and her master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin. Joyce was a classroom teacher and a reading specialist in the Madison Public Schools for nearly 35 years, working with underprivileged students. She had a huge space in her heart for both her students’ literacy skills and their well-being. She retired reluctantly in 2005. Joyce was a decades-long member of the Bethel Lutheran Church choir, something that brought her great pleasure, satisfaction and cherished friends. She loved to sing and read and was active in book clubs. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Madison Metropolitan Women’s Association. Joyce is survived by her children, Lisa LeFay (Bruce Benidt), Mark Dewey (Janet), Sarah Desmond (Michael) and Anne Miller (John). She is also survived by grandchildren, Christian, Olivia, Kayleigh, Ally, Grace and Patrick; and great-grandsons, Henry and Jackson, who were all the light of her life. She is survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sally (Dewey) and Ronald Heiser of Phoenix. Her husband, Bill, died in 2017; and her sister, Joan, in 2014. Joyce’s family is enormously grateful to Visiting Angels, whose caring employees helped Joyce live independently to the day of her death. A memorial service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, with Pastor Margo Martens presiding. The family will welcome Joyce’s friends from 2 p.m. until the service begins and again after it. Memorials may be made to the Madison Literacy Center or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave 608-831-6761