May 24, 1927-July 4, 2026
Joyce Marie Hertaus made her grand exit on the Fourth of July, because of course she did.
True to our mom’s fun, sparkly personality, she chose to begin her next adventure while fireworks lit up the sky. We are quite certain she assumed they were all in her honor. While everyone else thought they were watching an Independence Day celebration, we know it was simply Mom getting the party started on the other side.
Born on May 24, 1927, Joyce packed more living into 99 years than most people could fit into two lifetimes. She was blessed with remarkable health, endless energy and an unwavering optimism that never seemed to fade. She believed life was meant to be celebrated — and she celebrated it every single day.
She is survived by her three children, Jeff (Anne) Mark, Brian (Sue) Mark,and Lauri (Mike) Heraty.
To her grandchildren — Andy, Leah, Danny, David, Michael, Marissa and Gabriel — she was the ringleader of adventures, the queen of sleepovers, swimming days, skating outings, movies, games, laughter and just about anything that sounded like fun. There was never a dull moment when Grandma was around, and, somehow, she always managed to make ordinary days unforgettable. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, Ivan, Alexander, Eileen and Waylon, who will grow up hearing countless stories about the extraordinary woman whose legacy of joy, laughter and adventure we intend to carry forward.
She never met a stranger. Within minutes of meeting someone, they were no longer strangers, they were friends. She even reinforced it with a sign above her door that said just that. Her smile was contagious, her energy unending, her love never ceasing and her outlook on life was simple: Choose happiness. Every day.
She also believed that life was infinitely better with a lot of sparkle. Her closet overflowed with sequins, rhinestones, glittery shoes and outfits that reflected exactly who she was — vibrant, joyful and unapologetically herself. If there was an opportunity to dress up, Joyce never missed it. If there wasn’t an opportunity, she created one.
She was delightfully unpredictable. She was famous for harmless antics, spontaneous adventures, sneaky mischief, some occasional bad decisions and stories that became family legends. She kept everyone laughing, occasionally wondering what she might do next.
Whether you knew her for five minutes or 50 years, you walked away happier for having spent time with her. During the six years she spent with her daughter and called Pagosa Springs home, we were overwhelmed by the number of friends, neighbors, caregivers and acquaintances who came to say goodbye to her. Her card players, her poker group and her music buddies all stopped by for a final smile and hug. Through their stories, we came to appreciate even more deeply the extraordinary impact she had on so many lives simply by being herself.
She is preceded in death by many — she was 99 after all. But she will be greeted in heaven by her first husband Dick Mark, her last husband Wayne Hertaus (read between the lines); her grandson, Michael Heraty; her brother, Roy LeTourneau; her special nephew, Denny LeTourneau; and many dear friends and loved ones who undoubtedly welcomed her home with open arms. Knowing our mom, she has probably already reorganized the seating chart, started the music, and convinced everyone to get up and dance.
Joyce was deeply loved by family and treasured by countless friends in Minnetonka, Minn., and Pagosa Springs, Colo.
A special shout-out to Drake Stewart and the whole staff at The Beehive Pagosa Springs for their amazing care and love over the past three years. She was their ultimate party resident there and left such an impression that they all came to see her when we moved her to our home for her last couple weeks. To Melissa Eggleston, Trish Davis and the rest of the Hospice crew, there really are no words — you were the saints I didn’t know I needed. And the caregivers Thomas, Annette and Isaiah Laursen, Leslie Martinez and Melissa Amya: Thank you, thank you, thank you. And, lastly, Andrea Anderson, who stayed with me to the end, holding my mom’s hand. I can’t even believe I am lucky enough to have a friend as special as you. Thank you isn’t enough.
Her greatest lesson wasn’t spoken — it was lived. Smile often. Try anything once, and if it was a bad choice, maybe even twice. Wear the sequins. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Be kind. Make people feel welcome. Choose joy. Smile always.
The fireworks may be over, but her sparkle never will be.
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