TENATNS HARBOR — Joyce C. Stanley, 86, died peacefully, following a period of declining health, Oct. 29, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Natick, Mass., June 25, 1927, she was the daughter of Rodney and Lydia Hall Frazer. Joyce was educated in Natick public schools. After high school Joyce worked for a brief time for the Defense Department in Washington, D.C., during World War II.

Following the war, Joyce moved home to Massachusetts where she married Herbert Adams. Together they raised three children, David, Stephen and Joyce.

Joyce spent most of her life as a homemaker, devoted to her children. They remember how much pride their mother had in their home, keeping it immaculate. Her daughter said the home could have been featured in magazines. This love of decorating and pride in her housework stayed with Joyce throughout her entire life.

In 1971, Joyce married Arnold W. Stanley, a local lobsterman, in Martinsville. Together they resided in Martinsville for 27 years. Mr. Stanley passed away in 1997.

Mrs. Stanley enjoyed handiwork, making beautiful quilts, as well as crocheted and knit pieces. She was also an avid reader, taking in any printed material she could.

Predeceased by her husband; a brother, Richard Frazer; and a sister, Nancy Webster; Joyce is survived by her sons, David Adams and his wife, Grace, of Yarmouthport, Mass., Stephen Adams and his partner, Tammy Willey, of Tenants Harbor; her daughter, Joyce C. Taylor of Bay Minette, Ala.; a brother, Rodney Frazer and his wife, Marcia, of Framingham, Mass.; a sister, Janet Pratt and her husband, Thomas, of Natick, Mass.; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandson, born one day after Joyce's passing.

A graveside celebration of her life will be held Monday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. at Ridge Cemetery in Martinsville. The Rev. Bill Hickey will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants harbor, ME 04860.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home of Rockland.