Mary Joyce McMorrow

Mary Joyce (Hietpas) McMorrow, Kaukauna. Our beloved mother passed away peacefully on August 20, 2014, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Joyce was born on August 19, 1928, to the late John C. and Elizabeth (Vanden Heuvel) Hietpas. She was a graduate of St. John High School in Little Chute.

Joyce was a woman of deep faith. She was a long-time member of Holy Cross Parish giving many years of service by donating her time and talents.
Joyce married the love of her life, Emmett McMorrow, on August 28, 1948. He preceded her in death on September 5, 2011.

After their marriage, Joyce and Emmett built their home in Kaukauna where they spent their life together, making life-long friends and raising their nine children. Joyce loved life and had many friends and interests. She had several special high school friends who continued to get together monthly to celebrate the good times and support each other always. Joyce was a fabulous and gracious hostess, making all who visited her home feel welcome and special. She always had a kind word for those who needed it and was selfless in giving of her time, talents, and energy.

Music was an integral part of Joyce's life; she had a song for every occasion. Playing Christmas songs on her guitar while the grandchildren sang along, having neighborhood sing-alongs, or joining an impromptu session with her brothers and sisters were times she so enjoyed.

Joyce is survived by her children: Pat (Dave) Plutz, Sue (Guy) Hartjes, Mark (Janice), Ann (Don) Bies, Mike (Deb), Mary (Gary) Behling, Dan (Connie), Bob (Sara) and John (Sue). She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, sisters and brothers: June Stuyvenberg, Margaret (Carl) Peeters, Luke (Rosie) Hietpas, Mike (Jo) Hietpas, Mark (Linda) Hietpas, John (Shirley) Hietpas, Tom (Sheila) Hietpas, Clare (Lee) VanBoxtel, and Sheila (Clyde) Schepp; in-laws: Lois Hietpas, Russell Harmon, Sally Bevers, Thelma McMorrow, and Lois McMorrow.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother in law: James and Mary (Mae Hartzheim) McMorrow; sister: Helen Harmon; brothers: Matthew, Donald, and Claude; a grandson: Elliot McMorrow; in-laws: Evelyn Hietpas, Dorothy Hietpas, Jesse Bevers, Bob Stuyvenberg, Jim McMorrow, Tom McMorrow, and Jack (Mary) McMorrow.

The funeral liturgy for Joyce will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Tom Pomeroy officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com. A memorial fund is being established at Holy Cross Church.

Joyce was an extraordinary lady who has generously gifted us with many wonderful and cherished memories. She will remain forever in our hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Melissa, Karen, Ellen, Chris, and the entire St. Paul Hospice staff.

Dear Mom, we will always feel blessed to have had you as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. You will always be in our hearts and remembered lovingly. You are now home and reunited with Dad.