Obituaries

Joyce Elaine Niemann

Posted

Joyce Elaine Niemann was born Sept. 18, 1929, to Elmer and Elsie Olson of Vaughn and died peacefully March 8 in the home where she was born.

Joyce graduated from Vaughn Union High School and shortly after married Charles Niemann Sr. on July 12, 1947. They lived away from Key Center for a few years but returned home to take over Sunnycrest Farm from her parents. They raised four children, Hereford cattle and made hay. They always kept the farm going strong and hosted many wonderful family gatherings.

Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Joyce worked many jobs over the years, including part owner and cook at the Key Center Café, as a cook at Vaughn Grade School, fish marker at the local hatchery, as librarian and a Pierce County election official. She also picked brush and huckleberries.

Joyce was very active in her community and loved by all. She was a charter member of Vaughn Community Church, part of the Ladies Aide Society, and later a charter member of Historic Vaughn Bay Church. She was a true historian of the KP, and a life member and president emeritus of the Key Peninsula Historical Society and Museum. She was treasurer of the Vaughn Bay Cemetery Board and a charter member of the Vaughn Garden Club. She loved flowers and at one point had over 100 roses growing on the farm. She could often be found in her garden or in the kitchen making delicious pies and other treats that she was famous for.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Cheryl; husband Charles (married 55 years); and three siblings. Joyce is survived by three children, Charles, Jr. (Vicki), Christopher and Noel, all of Vaughn; grandchildren Sam Baderdeen (Brenda), Dan Baderdeen (Paige) and Nicole Niemann-Carr (Tony); four great-grandsons; two great-great-grandchildren; sister Gail Sparks of California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Nicole and Tony built their home next door to Grandma Joyce 17 years ago, farmed with her, and gradually began to take over operating the farm. When great-grandson Colton was born, Joyce’s days became devoted to him.

Joyce will be buried at Vaughn Bay Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Key Peninsula Historical Society or Vaughn Bay Cemetery.


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