Page created by: Kristina Bergstrand

A Life Story

Joyce Bergstrand, born on May 2, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, lived a life marked by passion, adventure, and an unwavering dedication to her family. It's a life that deserves to be remembered not for the disease that ultimately took her, but for the incredible woman she was before Parkinson's entered the picture. Sadly, Joyce passed away on January 31, 2025, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Spirit of Adventure

Joyce wasn't one to sit still. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of curiosity and courage. She earned her degree from Southern Illinois University in 1961, a foundation upon which she built a life of remarkable achievements. It was while working at the University Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory that she met Jay Bergstrand, the love of her life. Their shared spirit of adventure led them to marry on June 16, 1962, and embark on a daring journey to Alaska in a blue VW Bug. This was just the beginning of a life filled with exploration and discovery.

Wings of Her Own

Joyce's adventurous spirit wasn't confined to the ground. A skilled pilot, she served as Chair of the Alaska Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, a national organization of women pilots. Imagine her soaring through the Alaskan skies, a woman with wings of her own, sharing her love of flight with family on memorable trips to Mount McKinley in Denali National Park. Her passion for aviation extended to education, where she developed a curriculum to teach elementary students the principles of flight, earning awards from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

From the Sky to the Slopes

When she wasn't flying, Joyce could be found on the slopes. As a ski instructor and a member of the National Ski Patrol at Mt. Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska, she embraced the thrill of the mountain. She and Jay built a cabin there, a testament to their love of the outdoors, and spent countless hours supporting their children's alpine ski racing. Her commitment to the sport went further, as she served as a race official for the United States Ski Association.

A Heart for Community

In 1992, Joyce and Jay settled in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, building their dream home near White Ash Lake. Here, she continued to engage with her community, serving as Clerk for the Town of Apple River, State Coordinator for the AARP Tax Aid program, and teaching driver safety courses. Her move to Reno, Nevada, in 2017 with Jay was driven by her love for family, and wanting to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter.

Remembering Joyce's Vibrant Life

This is how we should remember Joyce – a woman who embraced life with open arms, a spirit of adventure in her heart, and a deep love for her family. Parkinson's may have dimmed her light in her final years, slowly stealing her life and ultimately succumbing to the disease, but it will never erase the memories of the vibrant, accomplished woman she was.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and adventure, survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Jay Bergstrand; her daughter, Kristina Bergstrand; her granddaughter, Ava Bergstrand-Toole; her son, James "Jim" Bergstrand and his wife, Teena; and her sister, Carole Smith.**

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joyce's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or a charity of your choice.