Joyce Popple Irish dies class of 1947

ENOSBURG FALLS: Joyce Popple Irish passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 27th at the Villa Rehab in St. Albans with her daughter Bonnie and granddaughter Jennifer by her side, along with daughters Sharon and Susie in spirit.

Joyce was born in Rutland on October 10, 1929 to the late Howard Sr. and Madeline (Cook) Popple. She graduated from B.F.A. Fairfax in 1947 with a class of 13 graduates.

On March 6, 1948, Joyce married James (Jim) Irish and resided in Fairfax and St. Albans for over thirty years. In her early years, Joyce was a sales assistant for Stollman’s Ladies Apparel, she left to raise their family. She returned to work and for many years was a loan officer with the Franklin Lamoille Bank.

Jim and Joyce were fortunate enough to retire early and move to Bradenton, Florida, where they became the “cruising couple” having enjoyed 44 cruises over the years. Family always knew if they couldn’t reach them, it was because the cruise line had a last minute cancellation for them. They moved back to Vermont in 2007 because of Jim’s declining health. He passed away on February 28, 2008. Until her passing, Joyce resided in her own apartment in Enosburg Falls.

Joyce was the last member of hers and Jim’s generation. She never missed any sporting event, graduation, or prom pictures in the park. Her greatest joy was providing everyone’s favorite food for family gatherings and baking for the Farmer’s Market with Susie. Everyone loved her buttermilk donuts and her baking powder biscuits for strawberry shortcake! Joyce was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles.

Joyce leaves three daughters and their families, Bonnie Evans (Michael) of St. Albans, Dr. Sharon Bevins (Tom) of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and Susan Irish-Reed (John) of Sheldon. She also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by her brother Howard Popple Jr.(Pop) and his wife Barbara.

Joyce was fiercely independent, living on her own until very recently. “A good life lived…rest in peace”.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Roberts and her staff, Franklin County Home Health, and the Villa Rehab for the wonderful care Joyce received while in their care.

Gifts in Joyce’s memory may be made to Franklin County Home Health, and Franklin County Humane Society.

There will be a private burial and family celebration of her life later in the summer.