Joyce Vivienne McLane, of Niles
Published 9:30 am Thursday, July 9, 2015
Aug. 27, 1929 — July 6, 2015
Joyce Vivienne McLane, 85, of Niles, Michigan died at 1 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2015, at Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow in Niles following an extended illness.
Joyce Vivienne McLane
She was born on Aug. 27, 1929, in Mishawaka, Indiana to Earl and Gabrielle (DeCent) Ullrey. She was graduated from Mishawaka High School where she had participated in the instrumental music program, playing the saxophone, and serving as Drum Majorette. She was also an accomplished ballet dancer, and was offered a position in a New York City studio, at which point she made the life choice to raise a family. She did that, and after a few years employment at the former Ball Band plant, moved with her family to Niles in 1960 where she was employed for many years by the Brandywine Community Schools child care program.
Joyce enjoyed fishing in the Saint Joseph River, and sewing and knitting for her family. In more recent years she had become quite proficient — and competitive — at throwing darts at a dartboard on her basement wall. She also enjoyed the fellowship and competition of playing Euchre with the family.
On Oct. 18, 1946, in Roseland, Indiana she married Donald F. McLane with whom she celebrated the 58th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on Jan. 18, 2005. She was also preceded in death by a son, Eric Malcolm McLane on Aug. 22, 2011, a grandson, Timmy McLane on Feb. 22, 2004; and Joyce’s brothers, Carl Ullrey and Paul Ullrey.
Surviving family includes her children, Eileen Marice (Daniel) Kosarek of Niles and Edwin Earl McLane of Berrien Springs, Michigan; grandchildren Rick D. McLane, Scott M. (Tonya) McLane, Cherie (Bill) Miller, Sara Labadie, Colleen (Brian) Givan, Gabriel Kosarek, Joymarie (Jason) Powell, Benjamin Kosarek, Annmarie (Bill) Carlton, Carrie Kosarek, and Jennifer (Miguel) Gomez; 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family of Joyce McLane will be inviting friends and neighbors to join them at a future date to celebrate her life. Contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to Hospice at Home. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.
www.halbritterfunerals.com
