Joyce Leslie

Joyce Ann Leslie, 92, passed away April 20, 2016 at her residence at The Brook in Cheboygan, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Quincy C. Leslie, who passed away February 9, 2011. She is survived by her 6 children, Quincy G. (Marilyn) Leslie of Grand Rapids, Suzanne  Stark of Indianapolis, Janis (Sean) Ley of Saulte Ste. Marie and Jon Leslie, Jeanne Parrish, and Nanette (Jay) Johnston of Cheboygan.

Joyce was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1923 to Guy and Ora Lucille (Crawford) Van Dusen and was raised in Petoskey by her mother and step-father Fred Smith. In 1942 she married the love of her life, Quincy C. Leslie of Cheboygan, where they made their home following his service in WWII.

Joyce was an active citizen of Cheboygan, working in Leslie Radio TV Sales and Service, and as a nursery school teacher, piano teacher and a writer for the Cheboygan Daily Tribune.  She touched the lives of countless people through her leadership in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, as accompanist for adult musical groups and events, high school band concerts, musicals, and Solo and Ensemble competitions, both in Cheboygan and in Florida, where she and her husband wintered for several years, and through her volunteer hours with the Cheboygan museum and local theatre programs. Even at the age of 92, she continued each week to “tickle the ivories” for the residents at TenderCare and The Brook. As a civic activist, Joyce was a charter member of the Cheboygan Historical Society and the Northland Players. Her involvement in theatre included serving as officer and board member, acting, directing, accompanist and enthusiastic audience member, and one of her proudest achievements was her dedication to saving and restoring the Opera House, where she later served as secretary and as interim Director. Joyce was instrumental in the development of the Cheboygan Area Arts Council and the Youth Arts Festival and she served many years with the school PTA.

Joyce was honored along with her husband as Cheboygan Citizens of the Year. In 1987 she represented Cheboygan County in Michigan’s Sesquicentennial celebrations held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Joyce enjoyed attending the local basketball and football games, and loved spending time on the local waterways on the family Chris Craft cabin cruiser. Trips to Mackinaw Island and the Tunnel of Trees were always special, but her favorite spot was Gordon Turner Park, where she watched her grandchildren play and where, most every evening, she shared the setting sun with her beloved husband. Her family was her greatest treasure.

Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Family members would like to thank The Brook of Cheboygan and Hospice of the Straits for their kind and dedicated care of Joyce.

A memorial service is planned for 11:00a.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Cheboygan Opera House, with a light lunch following. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Opera House.

The Nordman-Christian Funeral Home is caring for the family.

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