Joyce Blair

Joyce Diane (Allen) Blair took her final breath on June 17, 2021 in the comfort of her home after a year long journey of in-home hospice care. In spite of her illness, she spent her last spring of life shopping for flowers, planting her gardens and savoring each moment with her family and friends. Joyce was born September 27, 1937 to Thelma and Harold Allen. Joyce often referenced her childhood shaped by her grandparents’ gardens. She was a graduate of West High School in Rockford and a Certified Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension Program. One of Joyce’s favorite expressions is posted in her breezeway, “Life is a game, but gardening is serious!” Gardening came as a calling for Joyce, bringing joy to her and to many friends and neighbors who came by for garden walks. Joyce’s garden was a place of inspiration, learning, renewal, conversation, music, art and many, many friendships. She was especially proud of being a featured garden in the Rockford 1999 Garden Glory Tour. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer gardener at Klehm Arboretum and helped design their first butterfly garden. She worked many years as a greenhouse gardener at Didier’s Greenhouse in Rockford. Later, she was an elementary school lunch aide and kindergarten classroom volunteer. Ever curious, Joyce continued studies as an adult at Rock Valley College through literature, philosophy, art and cooking classes. She admired Tasha Tudor, Claude Monet, Mozart, Albert Einstein and other imaginative artists and thinkers. She was an excellent cook with a discerning palette and a keen eye for graceful presentation. She loved family gatherings and evenings talking, singing and laughing in her garden. Her home and garden were a place of hospitality, sanctuary, friendship and joy for many. Her many gifts include creativity, laughter, compassion, imagination, wisdom, grit, faith and fierce love for her family and friends. Joyce was mother to three children, Holly Blair-Cascio, Mike Blair (Sue) and Cassie Blair. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Harold Allen, her brothers, Gary Allen, Steve Allen and Dave Allen, and her grandson Benjamin Blair. She is survived by her three children, her sisters, Molly Allen and Marcia Geil, her brother, Gene Allen, grandchildren Sarah Berman (Michael), Hattie Krick (Mike), Abby Knop (Shawn), Kate Blair and Hunter Altenbernd and five great grandchildren. Joyce’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mercy Hospice for their loving care and support of Joyce and her family. Memorial Donations can be sent to Mercy Hospice, 4223 East State St., Rockford, IL 61108. In celebration of Joyce’s life there will be a Memorial Garden Walk in Joyce’s gardens on Friday, September 10, 4-8 pm. Rain date will be Sept. 24 at the same time. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, Illinois, 61111.