Obituary of Joyce Lynn (McLaughlin) Gordon

Joyce Lynn (McLaughlin) Gordon, age 63 of Saint Helen, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday March 23, 2019 at MidMichigan Medical Center West Branch. She was born March 13, 1956 in St. Claire Shores to the late Benjamin and Eleanor (Holtzman) McLaughlin. She grew up in St. Clair Shores, one of eleven children born to Eleanor and Benjamin. When Joyce was 16 years old, she moved with her parents and younger siblings to Mio where her parents owned and operated Parkway House Restaurant. In the early days, Joyce worked in her parent's restaurant doing everything from waitress to cook. She was a member of the VFW along with her mother who was the president of the lady's auxiliary for many years. In her adult life she became a closing secretary for several of the local real estates and eventually got her real estate license. But restaurant life was in her blood and she continued in that line of work until she retired. Joyce was loved by many people because of her love for everyone else. She was always the first to offer help in any situation. The family business made her into an exceptional cook where she always went above and beyond for all family gatherings because that is the time where she could shine. If you did not know her personally, you might know her by her locally infamous pies at the Down Town Café in West Branch. She also loved bingo, gambling, playing cards, crafting and was quite tech savvy for her age, with online social networking and games. She had a hilarious sense of humor, could light up a room with her smile because she dearly loved to laugh. The only thing that was more dear to her were her grandchildren, who adored her as much as she adored them. Her home was always warm and inviting, and spotless; you'd never leave hungry. She will be missed by many. Surviving are her daughters Tracey (Ira) Schram of Mio, Stephanie Onweller of Gladwin, Kathryn (Luc) Forest of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Krista (Jesse) Connon of Castor, Alberta; grandsons, Dylan Terpening of Rose City, Dalton Terpening of Traverse City; granddaughter, Tia Terpening of Mio, granddaughter Kayla Hausler of Lansing, grandsons Zachary Hausler of West Branch, Michael Waynee of Whittemore, Benjamin Waynee of Whitemore, granddaughter Authom Waynee of Gladwin, grandsons Sebastian Granger of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Riley Forest of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, granddaughter Felicity Forest of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, granddaughter Brook Connon of Castor, Alberta, grandson Hunter Connon of Castor, Alberta; three great grandchildren; brother, Dennis of Punta Gorda, FL, brothers, Kenneth (Nancy) of West Branch, Kevin (Karin) of Mio, Jerry (Gilda) of West Branch; sister, Lisa McLaughlin of West Branch; half-sister, Vivian McClain of Cape Coral, FL; many nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Eleanor McLaughlin; sister, Nancy McLaughlin; brothers, David McLaughlin, Ronald McLaughlin, Michael McLaughlin; sister, Linda McLaughlin; half-sister, Leatrice Lackie; niece, Michelle McLaughlin; and nephew Joshua Irelan. Her celebration of life will be April 13, 2019 at Ellie's 12 Tables of Mio, from 4-8pm. Join us to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, kiss your loved ones and hug them tight. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.