Joyce Connell, 78, of Coquillard Drive, Niles, died at 11:48 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend following a brief illness.

She was born Dec. 10, 1932 in Winamac, Ind. to John Conn and Pearl (Kistler) Conn. She moved to Niles in 1958 from Mishawaka.

She had been employed at the office of Doctors Lindenfeld, Camp, Kilic in Niles. She was a former member of First Presbyterian Church in Winamac. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1950 and from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1953.

After working at the doctors’ office, she was later employed at Berrien General Hospital, Healthwin and Partner Health Insurance Co.

She was a devoted wife, mother and friend who will be greatly missed.

She married Sidney Lee Connell on Feb. 27, 1954 in Winamac. He died April 21, 1994.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cara Connell of Buchanan and Kelly Connell of Niles; stepson, Roscoe (Kaye) Connell of Quinton, Va.; grandsons, Christopher (Tina) Connell, Matthew Connell, Jeremey (Becca) Bachman and Zach Bachman; five great-grandchildren; brother, Edward Conn of Tuscon, Ariz.; nieces, Julie Ratz and Joan Ratz; nephew, John Ratz; and several other special nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Carla Jean Connell, who died July 10, 1956; sister, Carol Conn–Ratz; and brother, Richard Conn.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 at Pokagon United Methodist Church, Niles with the Rev. Patricia Haas of the church officiating.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, Ind.

Friends may call beginning one hour prior to services at the church.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Old Rugged Cross Foundation or National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.