Joyce Vertz, 83, of Wakefield, RI, formerly of Wallingford, CT; Langhorne, PA; West Chester, OH; Congers, NY; Georgetown, MA; and Barrington, RI, completed her earthly journey and returned to her heavenly home on May 10, 2026.

Joyce was the beloved wife of Richard J. "Jet" Vertz for 53 devoted years and a deeply loving mother to Jennifer Vertz of Sebastopol, California, and Jason Vertz of Seattle, Washington. She was preceded in death by her brother, Philip. Besides her husband and children, Joyce is survived by her sister, Judith; her brother, Pete; and her brother-in-law, Gary.

Born on April 28, 1943, in Providence, RI, to the late Louis and Dora Leonard, Joyce spent her early years attending schools in Barrington and East Providence. In 1972, she met the love of her life and lifelong soulmate, Jet Vertz, at the Officers' Club at Newport Naval Station while Jet was training to become an officer, and a gentleman, in the U.S. Navy. They married the following year, beginning a life together that took them to eight different states before they eventually settled into the Brookedge Village condominium community in Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 2013.

Joyce had a lifelong love of words and storytelling. She worked as a journalist and wrote as a stringer for The Boston Globe and The Cincinnati Enquirer. Gifted with a natural elegance in language, she later turned that talent into a heartfelt letter-writing business, helping others express emotions and sentiments they found difficult to put into words, an act of generosity that touched many lives. Over the years, Joyce also owned and operated a gift shop in a hotel setting in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and later served as a consultant for the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut while living in Wallingford.

At her core, Joyce was warm-hearted, gentle, and soft-spoken, with a kindness that radiated quietly but profoundly. She had an extraordinary sensitivity to the needs of others and was often the first to notice when someone was struggling, and the first to respond. Her compassion found meaningful expression through her work managing a homeless shelter in Wallingford, Connecticut, where she offered dignity, care, and a listening ear to those most in need.

A devoted woman of faith, Joyce was an active and dedicated member of her church community, serving as a deacon and living her beliefs through daily acts of service, kindness, and love. She was also gifted creatively, blessed with a beautiful, warm singing voice and musical talent, as well as a keen artistic eye. Her acrylic paintings reflected the same thoughtfulness, care, and quiet beauty that defined her life. Joyce was a person of unwavering integrity, deep consideration for others, and a quiet grace that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on June 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Peace Dale Congregational Church, 216 Columbia Street, Peace Dale, RI 02879. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to Peace Dale Congregational Church.