Joyce Marie Bennett

Joyce Marie Bennett passed away peacefully, Saturday afternoon, November 4, 2023, at the age of 83. She was born August 30, 1940, to Alice and Julius Hammermeister in Chicago, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Bennett of 47 years; and brother, Robert Hammermeister.

She spent her childhood years on a farm in Austin, Minnesota. Joyce bailed hay, plowed the fields with the Allis-Chalmers tractor, and fed the pigs, goats, and chickens. She enjoyed gardening and planting flowers with her mother, grandmother, and aunt Laura. Joyce attended a one room schoolhouse where she completed the 8th grade during her 7th grade school year. The following September, Alice and Julius wanted her to attend Austin High School. The school refused due to her young age. So, Joyce spent her time at the one room schoolhouse reading ALL the books in the library, plus ALL the books at her grandparents’ home. As both her aunts, Helen and Laura taught school in a one room schoolhouse, there were many books.

Joyce was also gifted with musical talents. She was given piano and accordion lessons and by the age of 12 would play the organ at church on occasion. Being raised a Lutheran, Joyce continued to play the piano and organ for church when needed, throughout her life. At the age of 14, she attended an accordion contest in Minneapolis, MN, and she won. She loved to play polkas and “Lady of Spain” and could really shake the accordion.

In 1956 the family moved to Los Angeles, California. Joyce graduated from Bell Gardens High School and then continued her education at the University of Long Beach, earning her master’s degree in English. This remarkable lady attended college while working full time, paying for her own way. Her first teaching assignment was at Pine Junior High for the Anaheim School District, where she taught for 7 years. During this time, she met her soulmate, Bill Bennett. They were married, December 2, 1967; the entire school turned out for their wedding.

Joyce taught for 27 years at Los Alamitos High School, AP English. During this time, she and Bill would take students on tours to England, Hawaii, and Mexico. They both shared a passion for travel and explored the world together. They purchased a summer home on the island of British Columbia. Where they both joined the garden club and Joyce the Accordion Club. After purchasing a trailer, they explored Canada and Washington.

Joyce received many honors during her teaching career, one especially being the California English Teacher of the Year. She chaired and organized many English Conventions and events. Some of the planning meetings took place in her beautiful home in Long Beach, California, where she would host a “High Tea”. She was an excellent cook and delighted in sharing meals with others. Lemon bars, lemon meringue pie and apple pie were her favorite desserts. One could never put enough lemon zest or cinnamon in the pies.

Joyce had such a warm, beautiful smile and made everyone feel welcome. She was a loving, caring, talented, creative person that made it easy for her family, friends, and students to love. The impact she had and the number of lives she touched can only be measured by the memories we share and hold dear in our hearts. May her memory be eternal. She will be missed!!

Joyce is survived by her sister, Mary Taylor; brother, John Hammermeister; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Oregon City, Oregon; officiated by Reverend Ted Engelbrecht (Pastor).

Private interment will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, Oregon, alongside her husband, Bill Bennett.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Joyce's honor to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Foundation.