Joyce Nicholson
February 05, 1953 - June 24, 2026
Obituary
Joyce Marie Nicholson, age 73, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at Agrace Hospice Center. Born on February 5, 1953, to Catherine and Harry Baker, Joyce was raised in Ohio and lived a life defined by her generosity, unconditional love, and devotion to her family.
Joyce was an incredibly caring, loving, and empathetic person whose compassionate nature touched everyone she met. Endlessly giving and remarkably understanding, she found joy in both everyday moments and new adventures. She was wonderfully talented at sewing and crafting, taking great joy in gifting her handmade creations to her family, and enjoyed bowling just for fun. She had a passion for travel, thoroughly enjoying road trips, camping, and exploring museums, zoos, and aquariums. A true baseball fan, she also loved heading to Miller Park to cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers. Above all else, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family. She loved to bake with and for her family, especially for her grandchildren.
A dedicated public servant and hard worker, Joyce held several meaningful roles throughout her life, working as a seamstress, a Title Searcher, and a CNA before enjoying a remarkable 26-year career as an Office Operations Associate at Mendota Mental Health Institute, from which she proudly retired.
On Groundhog Day, February 2, 2017, Joyce married her loving husband, Christopher W. Miller, who survives her and will forever cherish their 17 years together. She is also survived by her daughter, Darla Nicholson, and her son, Arthur (Jackie Ziegler) Nicholson.
She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in her grandchildren: Matthew and Tiffany (Tural Hasanli) Palmer, Andra Felland, Emmitt (Craig Sanders) Nicholson, Piper Nicholson, Magnus Nicholson, Brandon Endres, Stewart Chandler, and Megan and Hannah Beach; as well as her great-grandchildren: Lola Palmer, Teymur and Emilia Hasanli, Jenni Stoltz, Braxton and Isaac Endres, and Opal and Ivy Sanders.
She is further survived by her sister, Mary Maury; her brothers, Ernie, Ronnie, Dave, and Pat Baker; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Harry Baker; her sister, Twila Baker; her first husband, John Nicholson, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage; and her daughter, Cathy Maass.
Though she may be gone, Joyce will never be wiped from our hearts or our memories. She will always be deeply loved and incredibly missed. A Celebration of Life honoring Joyce will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the 2nd Floor, in the Sunrise Cliffs room at the Ho-Chunk Convention Center, S3214 County Hwy BD, Baraboo.
To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257