Joyce Ellen Anderson, 72, of Mesa, died February 25, 2022 after a brief hospitalization for heart disease.
She was born in Colon, Nebraska, and moved to Mesa when she was in elementary school. Joyce’s early years on the farm in Nebraska lead her to develop a life-long love of animals, particularly Boston Terriers.
Joyce graduated from Mesa High School and Arizona State University. She was a beloved English teacher and department head for thirty years at Mesa Public Schools. She taught at Carson and Shepherd Junior Highs, and Red Mountain and Skyline High Schools. Teaching was her calling, and she will be remembered fondly by students and colleagues alike.
Joyce had aptitude for home decorating and took great pleasure in finding the perfect pieces. She loved to read, and kept up with the latest best-selling books. Her organizational skills were apparent both in her work and home lives.
At her request, there will be no memorial service. She was predeceased by her parents Rolland and Merle Anderson and her brother Larry. Her ashes will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery where her parents and brother are buried.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
At Carson Junior High, Ms. Anderson was one of my favorite teachers. Always smiling, happy and was evident that she had a passion for teaching. I will always be grateful for this kind lady and her positive attitude.
She was amazing. I had the pleasure of having her all through Shepherd Jr and Red Mountain. She was one of my faves. Such a kind woman. Sending prayers to all her family.
Joyce has been my neighbor for the past 16 years. She has watched me grow up and always let me know she was proud of me. I have grown up and become an Educator in Mesa Public Schools as well. Always enjoyed our conversations and thankful for my friendship with Joyce. She will be missed by me and my family.
Joyce was my godmother. She was best friends with my aunt Claudia from the 7th grade all the way through highschool. She was my influence to go to shepherd Jr. High. Unfortunately the year I started she moved to red mountain. She was a kind and loving person who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her
Joycie was our neighbor for 25 years! We are blessed to have known her. This pic of her is beautiful, and this is how I will remember her. She was my teacher next door. Smile! I would pass something to her over the fence and she would check my grammar, etc. for me. I think she was pretty gracious when editing my work. When I turned 60, she announced to me that I was getting too old for Birthday gifts. 😳 I will miss seeing what pretty things she puts in her yard. She loved decorating and changing things around. I have to share that we prayed for Joyce for many years. Grateful to God for the honor .🌺🌼🌸🌺🌼🌸🌺🌼🌸🌺🌼🌸🌺🌼🌸🌺
Miss Andersen was my 7th grade English teacher. Carson Jr. I had badly sprained my ankle and missed the first three days of school. I was pretty much relegated to the back of the room. But I was a chatter-box, so she soon moved me to the front chair to quiet me down. Great! Just what I needed. I came from CA’s progressive school system and AZ felt like someone had applied the breaks. Miss Andersen saved me. When I graduated Jr. High, she had moved in across the street and I visited often. We became good friends. She turned me on to Elton John and took me too see Jesus Christ Superstar. I will always remember and always miss her.
Happy Birthday in heaven Joyce!