Joyce E. Sommerfeld

Joyce Elaine Howard, age 80, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, formerly of Caseville, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020 after a long battle with breast cancer. Joyce, the daughter of the late Bert and Edith (Maynard) Howard, was born in Lake Township, Michigan on March 12, 1940. She grew up in a large, loving family in Caseville, Michigan and after graduating from Elkton Pigeon Bay Port High School she married Loren Sommerfeld (preceded in death on March 20, 2001) and started her own family. She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church. Joyce’s main priority and joy in life were her three sons, their families, and her close ties to her many siblings and their families. She loved her family unconditionally and was the kind of person who was worried more about others than herself. She was her happiest when with her family and she will be missed by everyone. Joyce is survived by three sons: Jeff (Pam) Sommerfeld of Scotts, Troy Sommerfeld of Portage, and Lance (Kathy) Sommerfeld of Galesburg. Two brothers: Charles (Gretchen) Howard of Frankenmuth and Gary (Maxine) Howard of Goodrich; two sisters: Janice Martinez of California and Sherry (Alan) Kumaus of Arizona; five grandchildren: Meagan, Tanner, Alexis, Logan, and Chase; four great grandchildren: Ada, Everett, Cole, and Shepard, and many much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce was preceded in death by brothers: Dale, Robert, Clayton and Richard Howard and sisters: Bertha Gillingham and Jean Hunt. A very special thank you to Espanola House and Elara Hospice and her wonderful caregivers Jenny, Dillon, Jena, Kate, and Julie. A graveside service will be held on a date to be determined for immediate family members. Memorials may be offered to Hospice or charities of donor’s choice. ~The memories we make with our family are everything~