La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

Joyce was granted her angel wings on February 22, 2020, one month shy of 90 years old.

She was born in Detroit, MI on March 22, 1930 to Otto R. and Rose L. Seilaff. She attended Mercy College in Detroit, then graduated from Marygrove College in 1952. She moved to Seattle in 1953 where she met Francis John “Jack” Nagel. They were married Oct 16, 1954 in West Seattle. After moving to Portland, OR they welcomed their son, Francis John Nagel, Jr in 1955. She taught elementary school for 37 years, most of that in the Edmonds School District.

In the mid-70s Joyce and Jack discovered Shelter Bay and fell in love with Skagit Valley.

Bought a lot in SB and built a home.

Jack retired and a few years later Joyce did as well.

In the mean time they were charter members of the Shelter Bay Yacht Club, serving as treasurer and chaplain.

Joyce treasured that association to the end of her days.

In keeping with her love of children Joyce was instrumental in the establishment of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Skagit County.

She spent lots of time and energy on the BGC and loved every minute of it.

She was very proud of the kids.

Joyce was a devout Catholic and an active member of Sacred Heart Parish in La Conner.

Several adults now raising kids in the parish were trained as altar servers by Joyce.

She liked to go fast, as anyone who rode with her would attest. Better still if it were on two wheels. Joyce could be seen riding her 50cc moped all around town and as far as Anacortes to get on the ferry to meet some yacht club friends. Later she upgraded to a purple 125cc scooter and boy was she cruising then. As age and balance required, she acquired a 4-wheeled electric scooter, which she always tried to dial up to the hare vs the tortoise. Much to the chagrin of her kids and care providers.

Joyce lived life to the fullest and truly resented when, as she aged, she had to slow down. Her love for her sons, daughter-in-law, grandkids, and friends is eternal and she made sure they knew it.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Jack (1989). She is survived by sons John and Ira, daughter-in-law Sue, grandchildren Kevin and Kelsey Nagel and Sophia Stevenson and countless other friends and family who were so important to her.

Joyce’s funeral service will occur once it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers Joyce requests a donation to either Children’s Hospital or the Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit Valley.