UNION — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Hills, of Union.

Despite living with the ever-increasing effects of dementia, Joyce never lost her wit or sass. She continued to make new friends and help others until shortly before her passing. Joyce resided at Woodlands Memory Care in Rockland for the past year, where she formed a very special relationship with her roommate Lucille, as well as many of the staff members.

Joyce was born July 22, 1944, to Vivian and Marguerite Hills. She attended Union schools and graduated with the Class of 1962. After graduating, she spent the next 13 years living and working in the Boston area, where she began her career as a phlebotomist, before returning home to care for her aging grandmother.

Joyce touched more people than we could ever begin to count. She had a way with people of all ages, a talent witnessed through her incredible work as a hospice volunteer, a Breast Cancer Reach for Recovery volunteer, and a phlebotomist at Pen Bay Medical Center. Joyce was also known as the person who provided rides to medical appointments, delivered supplies to the homebound, and visited with anyone who needed to chat.

What many never knew about Joyce was that she was always looking for the next person to give a secret hug. Many times, she gave a $20 bill to someone at the grocery store if she thought they could use it, or "paid it forward" at the cashier for the next person in line if they appeared to be struggling or had small children in tow. Joyce had a true calling for providing care and understanding to everyone she met. She never expected anything in return for her kindness, she simply enjoyed the gift of someone's smile, laughter, and company.

Now we know she has been given the ultimate gift: her permanent angel wings. Although many believe she had them all along and kept them secretly hidden for her lifetime, perhaps that was why she always said she had a fear of feathers.

From a young age, Joyce held a special bond with her grandmother, Alice. That bond played a defining role in Joyce's nurturing personality as she cared for Alice during her later years. Per Joyce's request, her cremated remains will be scattered at Alice's grave. Joyce also cared for many of the women residing at her mother Marguerite's boarding home, having grown up witnessing her mother and other caregivers assisting residents in their daily lives.

She often shared stories about delivering groceries and necessities around Union and Washington with her stepfather, Dick, who owned Gorden's in Union. He was an angel to those in need, accepting their appreciation in hugs, handshakes, and teary eyes, while never asking for money in return. Joyce credited these experiences with shaping the deep sense of empathy she carried throughout her lifetime of service. Known and loved by countless people, Joyce leaves behind a wide circle of friends of all ages.

Joyce was predeceased by her father, Vivian Hills, when she was just three years old; her mother, Marguerite Hills Gorden; her stepfather, Richard "Dick" Gorden; and her brother, Donnie Hills.

"Aunt Jo" will be greatly missed by her "favorite" nephew, Justin Hills (Samantha), and her great-niece, Emeline, with whom she loved playing Go Fish (even when Emeline cheated). Jo is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lorna Hills; stepsister, Janice Linscott; step-nephews, Milton Linscott and Rick Linscott (Kim); close cousins, Roger Luce, Julie Luce Huber (Joe), Ruth Wiggins, and John Curry; along with numerous extended cousins.

Jo will be deeply missed by her close friend and confidant, Beth Moore (Mike). Jo referred to Beth as "the daughter I never had," and the two shared a special bond spanning more than four decades. She was and always will be "Aunt Jo" to Beth and Mike's daughters, Megan Faucher (Mason) and Jordan Moore (Jared Mank), and more recently to their children: Cooper "Mr. Handsome," Carson "Mr. Wonderful," Charlette "Miss Boss," and Collin "Little Guy."

Joyce wanted her dear friends Mary Alice "Lal" Carey, Pam Kenoyer, Carol Grady, John "Hacky" Hokkanen, Sarah Gowell, Bahaa Aboughaida, Lynette Lawson, Bob and Carol Butler, Cindy Bowman, and Adele Faber to know that their kindness and love was greatly appreciated. She loved you all!

Per Joyce's request, there will be no traditional funeral service. She asked instead that everyone remember the good times shared, extend kindness to a stranger, and "pay it forward."

A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned and announced at a later date.

To share a story or memory with Joyce’s family, please visit her Book of Memories at bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.