In Memoriam: Marjorie (Marj) Joyce, BA

Marjorie Joyce died on April 12, 2024, at 77 years of age, after a prolonged illness.

Marj Joyce was born in Akron, Ohio, on November 15, 1946, the daughter of Michael and Helen Joyce and sister of Marilyn. Marj grew up in a family of baseball lovers and remained a lifelong fan, particularly of her beloved New York Yankees. Marj received her BA from Ohio State University in 1968 with a concentration in population studies, migration, and epidemiology.

Marj subsequently moved to the East Coast, where she lived and worked in the New York and New Jersey area. Marj began her career at Hammond Maps in New Jersey. In a career lasting over 50 years, she held editorial positions at John Wiley & Sons, Kinetic Communications, Falk Communications, and Corbett Accel Healthcare Group, among others. Most recently, Marj continued freelance editorial work and was the contract editorial director at Terranova Medica, LLC, from 2010 to 2021. She is a published author and has been recognized in many continuing education and medical publications for her excellent editorial work and knowledge of research tools and techniques. She had an amazing editorial and scientific eye and a tireless work ethic.

Marj was also an exemplary citizen who contributed in boundless ways to the community. A member of the Medical Reserve Corps, Marj mobilized to assist in the Ground Zero cleanup after the 2011 terrorist attacks. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross and with New York Cares. A consummate New Yorker, she volunteered for the NYC Mayor’s office, conducted tours of Central Park, participated in the annual Great Saunter event in NYC, and was a volunteer at her parish, Church of the Savior. She was also a regular platelet donor in NYC. Her contributions did not stop with her move to Las Vegas. There, Marj volunteered to support vaccination campaigns with the Health District and was a greeter at her parish, St Joseph, Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church.

As a friend and family member, Marj was an exceptionally loyal and thoughtful individual. She would find ways to spoil people with trips to the US Open (tennis being her second love to baseball), Yankees games, visits to the Mayor’s functions, and dinners at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. She was also a proud bird parent to Rocket, Zazu, and Sundance, whom she referred to as “the kids.” They, too, shared her love of baseball, contributing their singing to Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the 7^th inning stretch of televised Yankees games.

It is hard to put into words how much Marj contributed to the medical education field, to her community, and to those of us privileged to call her a friend. Perhaps it’s better to let her choice of words speak for themselves. Her last Facebook post at the start of her illness summarized Marj’s giving philosophy completely:

If you remember anything of me after I leave this world,

Remember that I loved even when it was foolish.

That I cared even when it was unwanted.

When my body is gone, remember my heart. (The Wise)

Marj is survived by her sister, Marilyn; her precious “kids,” Rocket, Zazu, and Sundance; and numerous friends and colleagues. A special thanks to Varsobia Group Home Care Services, for the excellent care they gave her, as well as Jan Barber Valentino for her assistance during Marj’s prolonged illness. Marj’s ashes will be buried privately in Akron on June 5, 2024. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in her name can be made to the Wild Bird Fund in NYC ( (https://www.wildbirdfund.org/about-us/).