Joyce M. Furlong

On the morning of September 7, 2022, our loving mom, Joyce Marie Furlong, passed away at the age of 85. She was the daughter of Arvie Laituri and Gladys Olesen (Hack), sister of Gloria Strong, Margaret Snodgrass, Leslie Olesen, Jane Daniel, and John Olesen. She was also the loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was born in Fort Bragg, California, on October 7, 1936. She moved to Santa Rosa in 3rd grade and graduated from Santa Rosa High School, followed by Santa Rosa Junior College. Upon graduation, Joyce worked for the County of Sonoma where she met Howard. They married on July 7, 1956, and together they raised two daughters, Cheryl Brown and Jone Furlong. Howard preceded her in death in January, 2018.

Joyce was a homemaker for many years. She enjoyed volunteering as a room mom, yard duty helper and kept busy with her daughters’ activities. Later in life, she was very active in the Warrack Hospital Auxiliary, proudly calling herself an “Orchid Lady” and acting as president for several years. Joyce and Howard travelled extensively both here and abroad. Perhaps after being born in Fort Bragg, the ocean always called to her, making Hawaii her favorite travel destination.

Joyce enjoyed three grandsons, Matt (Madeline) Brown, Thomas Brown and Patrick Brown. Her eyes always lit up when her great granddaughter, Madison, came to visit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Cemetery, P.O. Box 339, Occidental, CA 95465. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel, 4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 followed by a graveside service at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bodega.

Lafferty and Smith Colonial Chapel

Burial to follow services at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Bodega, California