Joyce M. Allen

Joyce was born on Dec. 9, 1945, in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late John and Margaret (Cavalieri) Backlund. Joyce grew up in Iron Mountain and attended school there. She married Doug Allen on Nov. 16, 1963, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party thrown by their children on Nov. 16, 2013, surrounded by family.

It was a wonderful day full of love. Momma Joycie, as she was affectionately known by many, was a wonderful, selfless woman who lived to serve anyone but herself. Together they raised their family in Kingsford.

After she raised her own three children, Joyce enjoyed a very special bond with her grandson, Dalton. They were partners in crime and could often be found at the casino together. If she got “mad” at Dalton his only purpose was to make her laugh by tickling her, smiling a huge smile and saying: “Joycieeeeee.” It worked every time.

Joyce spent many years as a housekeeper for several local families but her true calling in life was being an advocate for Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System. She truly enjoyed her life there for 12 years working with residents with special needs of all types and teaching them all she could.

Joyce was an avid bleacher mom and could be heard in the stands when her sons were playing a sport, yelling for them or yelling at the umps. She attended as many events of her grandchildren as her health permitted. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was a caregiver to all.

Joyce was also a terrific cook and shared her Swedish and Italian heritage by preparing delicious food for every occasion. She had an affectionate laugh, a beautiful smile, and a wonderful, colorful sense of humor. Her life was filled with love and she had no regrets.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Backlund; and brother-in-law, Artie Gatzow.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Doug; children, Tina (John) Elmer of Iron Mountain, Mark (Kristi) Allen of Kingsford and Jon (Crystal) Allen of Kingsford; sisters, Delores Gatzow of Iron Mountain and Ann (Dan) McMahon of Iron Mountain. Also by her grandchildren, Melissa (Justin) Hoffmeyer, Emily Elmer, Dalton Allen, Giovanni and Dante Pedrotti and Mason Allen. Many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors; and a very special friend, Karen Smith.

Private graveside services will be held in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory.

Condolences to the family of Joyce Allen may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.