Joyce Piccard

On November 12, 2025, Joyce Lyn Piccard, a faithful servant of the Lord, was called home into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. After a long and grace-filled life, Joyce was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Melvin Piccard, who preceded her in death in 1983. She was welcomed into Heaven by her sisters, Sandra McCall, and Karen Williams; her parents, George and Vera Essenburgh; and many dear brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Rose Patten. Joyce passed peacefully at home, holding the hands of her daughters. 

Joyce was born on August 6, 1939, in Muskegon, Michigan, and later moved with her family to Grand Rapids, eventually settling in Jenison. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1957 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Michigan State University in 1961. Joyce began her teaching career with Grand Rapids Public Schools, where she shared her love of learning with countless students. 

After taking time to raise her children, she continued her education, earning a master’s degree in special education from Grand Valley State University in 1981. Joyce spent 19 years serving in various roles - as a teacher, consultant, and mentor - within the Grand Rapids school system before retiring in 2000. Even in retirement, her passion for teaching never faded; she continued to share her gifts through Sunday school, Kids Hope, and volunteering in her daughter Suzanne’s classroom.

Joyce’s life was marked by her unwavering faith. She wholeheartedly embraced God’s forgiveness and spent her days praying for others, desiring that her loved ones would come to know the peace and grace she found in her Savior’s eternal love - a love that gives us hope and comfort in knowing we will see her again in glory.

She will be deeply missed by her children: Melinda (Gregory) Parker, George (Carrieanne) Piccard, and Suzanne (Scott) Charon; her grandchildren: Kassondra (Timothy) Stevens, Lauren (Joshua) Ehlich, Danielle (Ken) Blackford, Nicholas (Nanda) Charon, Jacob (Allie) Charon, Ben Piccard, Victoria Charon, and Madeleine Piccard; and her great-grandchildren: Owen and Elliott Stevens; Sawyer, Scarlett, and Sadie Ehlich; Evie and Eloise Charon; and Christopher Charon. She is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Marvin Piccard and LeRoy Piccard, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Joyce’s life was a reflection of love, faith, and service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Burial will take place at Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday from 10-11 am at the funeral home prior to the service.