Joyce Mary White

Joyce Mary White, 92, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025. Born in Hartford on January 14, 1933, the daughter of Carl and Grace (Bessette) Brolin, she lived most of her life in Woodstock, CT. She is survived by her daughter Cindy Brown Colella (Jeff), her sons Windsor N. White III (Amy) and John W. White (Gail), and six grandchildren (Jennifer McCormick (James), Chapman, Nathan, Jameson, Daniel and Aaron White). She also leaves her brothers, Carl Brolin (Carol) and William Brolin (Grace), her sister Donna Matulis (David), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, George W. White and four children who died in infancy.

A graduate of Woodstock Academy, Joyce worked as a secretary/bookkeeper. She married George on July 3, 1954. They raised their family in Woodstock where Joyce was a homemaker and was active in the community. When her children were older, Joyce entered and graduated from the LPN program at Windham Tech. She was a respected nurse at Day Kimball Hospital for many years.

Joyce enjoyed traveling, taking many trips throughout the US over the years. She also loved lunches with friends, theater, gardening, card games, reading, cooking and baking. Her wedding and anniversary cakes were admired among family and friends. Home and family were most important to her and she enjoyed her grandchildren immensely. Her home was open to all, with folks dropping by knowing the coffee pot was ready and “goodies” waiting on the table. Holidays and large family gatherings were frequently held at her home.

Joyce was small but mighty and fiercely independent. She was thoughtful of others but wanted little fuss for herself. She lived her faith quietly and compassionately, caring for others in many ways. She never visited friends or family empty handed, sharing the bounty from her garden and kitchen.

The family extends their gratitude and appreciation to those who cared for Joyce in her last years: her home caregivers and the staff at Pierce Memory Care and MapleView Manor.

Calling hours will be on Friday August 8 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday August 9 at 10:00am at St. Philip’s Church in Ashford, CT, followed by burial in Center Cemetery, Woodstock, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Day Kimball Healthcare Foundation in Joyce’s memory.