Jean Ann Joyce (Walz) was born on October 31,1948. She passed away on September 28, 2023 after a yearlong battle from an injury as a result of her MS.

Jean battled various stages of multiple sclerosis since she was 30 years old, but she never let the disease define her. She was always so determined to stay as independent as possible. She even had a "say no to nursing homes" sign next to where she sat in her kitchen. It was always the goal to keep her out of assisted living, but life had other plans.

Before getting MS, Jean traveled overseas with the red cross. She was part of a group that performed shows for the troops during Vietnam. She followed that up with working for the army in Korea and Germany. Looking through all her photos, one would say that being overseas was her most carefree days. She had many fun adventures.

In her 30s she became a single mom of Kelly and Josh while battling a new diagnosis of MS. She never let that hold her back from being the best mom possible.

For anyone who knew Jean, would know that she had the most amazing laugh. She could be in another room and you would know that was her laughing. Jean was also known for her love of the Seahawks and tennis. Thankfully tennis was on tv almost all year long. Most every time we went to visit, there would be a tennis match on the tv. One of Jean's happiest days was when the Seahawks won the super bowl in 2014.

Jean loved spending time with her grandson Moe. He was the one that made her smile the most, in those last months. He was just learning how to yo-yo and would entertain her each visit with his "newly developed skills" while trying very hard not to accidentally hit her with the yo-yo.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John Walz (Bud) and Pat Walz, her sister Jo, and her brother Bob. She is survived by her daughter Kelly and husband Ryan and their son Moe; her son Josh and wife Kasondra; her sister Judy; her brother Tom, her niece Cara, her nephews: Mike, Ryan, Ben, Jimmy and Johnny.

We all miss her dearly!