ROCKLAND — Joyce Ann Simmons, 64, passed away unexpectedly at her home Thursday, September 4, 2025, with her loving dog Angel by her side.

Born in Massachusetts on August 29, 1961, to John Ward and Pauline Wilson Howard, Joyce spent most of her life as a homemaker, raising her three sons.

Joyce is predeceased by her granddaughter Isabelle Marie ‘Izzy’ Joy; brothers, David Ward, Johnny Ray Ward, and Stevie Ward; and sister Dawn Sprague.

She is survived by her sons, Jeff Joy of Bangor, Donald Joy of Rockland, and John Joy of Thomaston; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a huge extended family.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2 p.m., at South End Beach in Rockland, one of Joyce’s favorite places.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Joyce’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.