FREEPORT – Joyce Earle, of Freeport, passed away on Aug. 6, 2024 after a long illness. She exhibited remarkable grace throughout her illness. She dealt with the challenges her health presented privately, choosing not to share news of her illness in order to spare other’s sadness.

Joyce was born in New York City, N.Y. and spent her early years in Clifton, N.J. before her family moved to Houlton. She told stories about trips across the border to Canada, and about picking potatoes – not a job for the faint of heart. Her family moved to Cousin’s Island, in Yarmouth, where Joyce attended Yarmouth High School before going on to graduate from Bates College in 1984.

It was after graduation, while working at L.L.Bean, that Joyce met the love of her life, Dennis Hoey. Joyce and Dennis were married aboard the HM Longfellow in Portland Harbor on July 27, 1986. They lived in Freeport but had a special fondness for Acadia National Park where they spent many of their vacations exploring the beautiful outdoors. They continued their adventures as a family after the birth of their son, Kevin Hoey, now of Yarmouth, and had many happy memories of camping, hiking, and kayaking together.

Joyce also worked for the Iris Network and in the office of Dr. Patricia Phillips, where her compassion combined with her practicality and detail orientation made such a positive difference to the clients she helped.

Joyce was especially fond of her sister-in-law, Sandy and nephew, Reece Colello. They shared many Thanksgiving dinners together in Freeport, and loved spending time together at the Colello camp on Moosehead Lake. Joyce and family were highly regarded by the Colello family who even made an exception in allowing Joyce, Dennis and Kevin to join in the Christmas party every year.

Joyce had an impact on those privileged to get to know her. She will be missed for her quick mind and sparkling wit, her honesty and integrity, her strong opinions and her ability to articulate why she believed them, her love for her family, her strength in advocating for the needs of others, her decency and kindness. Those of us who knew her can easily picture her mischievous smile and the twinkle in her eye when she was amused. She found a lot of joy in the things she embraced, like time in nature, music and dancing, watching fireworks, being with friends and family, and being the best mom possible for her beloved son.

With her open, curious mind, Joyce still had many adventures she had hoped to experience, but in the end, her concerns were simple. She wanted to leave things as well prepared as possible for the loved ones she left behind, and to be remembered as a good person. As so many people can attest, Joyce was definitely a good person.

Joyce is survived by her son, Kevin; brother, Wayne Earle and his wife Connie; nephew, Reece Colello; brother-in-law, Jim Colello; stepmother, Linda (Smith) Earle; and great-nieces Izabel Wales and Abigail Ortiz.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Dennis; parents Royal Earle

Jr. and Audrey (Clubb) Earle; brother, Glenn Earle Sr.; nephew, Glenn Earle Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Sandra Hoey Colello.

Her ashes will be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yarmouth at a later date.

Those wishing to honor Joyce’s memory may consider a donation to one of the charities below, or to a charity of your own choice.

Hearts and Horses

Therapeutic Riding Center,

63 Justin Merrill Rd.,

Buxton, ME 04093;

Living to Last,

P.O. Box 1232,

Westbrook, ME 04098

or donate online at

livingtolast.org;

New England Breast Cancer Alliance,

32 Cooks Mills Rd.,

Naples, ME 04055

or donate online at

newenglandbreastcanceralliance.org