Joyce Alida Nehila

Joyce Nehila (Reimold), of Puyallup, WA, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2023, surrounded by her beloved children.

Joyce was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 10, 1937, to the late William Reimold and Dorothy Reimold (Hemmert).  The youngest of four children, she worked in a factory during high school to help support the family.  After graduation, she reconnected with her childhood friend, Michael (Mike) Nehila and married him on December 23, 1961.  They remained married for 44 years until Mike’s death in 2005.

Mike served in the US Air Force and the young couple moved frequently.  Joyce gave birth to a son, Michael, in Hampton, VA, and a daughter, Donna, in Tacoma, WA.  In 1977, after living several years in Gwinn, MI, the family moved back to WA and settled in Puyallup, so Mike could start work at Boeing.  Joyce loved their new home and community and devoted herself to caring for her family.  She also formed lifelong friendships with neighbors, especially Barbara Riggs and her daughter Sheila Riggs.

Joyce was joyful, intelligent, and compassionate.  She loved travel and returned many times to NYC and New Jersey to visit family.  Joyce also treasured life’s more simple pleasures: reading a book, cooking a meal for others, sharing in a good laugh, and saying YES to dessert.  She possessed a unique and innate ability to convey to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and being a guest in her home, that they were loved and appreciated.  But above all, her children will remember her as the best mother a child could have.

Joyce is survived by her son Michael W. Nehila (wife Kirstin Nehila) and daughter Donna A. Nehila. She also leaves behind her spoiled furry grandbaby Louie. In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by husband Mike Nehila, and siblings Dorothy, Harry, William, and infant twin sister Jeanette.

A visitation to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on March 3rd, 2023 from Noon – 4PM PT at Powers Funeral Home, 320 W Pioneer, Puyallup, WA.