Joyce Marilyn (Hagland) McElroy was born March 24, 1943, in Portland, Oregon.  Her parents were Aura and Hugo Hagland, who were first-generation Americans from Northern Europe.  Her childhood homes were Rosburg, Washington, at her grandparents’ farm, and then Seattle, Washington.  Joyce had lived with her family in the Tri-Cities since 1965 with residences in Richland and Kennewick.

In 1961, Joyce graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle.  She achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1965 from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.  Joyce also obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling from Eastern Washington University in 1978.  Joyce’s first position was with Kennewick School District as a kindergarten teacher.  Joyce retired as a counselor from Richland School District in 2014, where she served at Jason Lee Elementary and Wiley Elementary.

Joyce enjoyed painting, quilting, and gardening and has left many beautiful works of art for the family to enjoy. A special memory for all of us was her rescue of Bunny B from Jason Lee Elementary, who helped her care for the garden and entertained the entire family.

survived by her husband of 58 years, Dale McElroy, who continues to reside in Kennewick, Washington. Joyce had two children, Jeffrey and Julie.  Julie McElroy resides in Richland, Washington.  Jeffrey McElroy, his son Maximus, and his wife Jane Jantep reside in Austin Texas. Joyce had two siblings.  Her sister Anne Meador and her husband Ray of Bellingham, Washington reside in Bellingham, Washington.  Her brother James Hagland preceded Joyce in passing. His wife Georgeanne Hagland resides in Lake Stevens, Washington Numerous nieces and nephews also survive Joyce.   

Joyce will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, aunt, friend and dedicated counselor to many children, who are now young adults, throughout the Tri-Cities.