Joyce Samson Raiche

Joyce S. Raiche, died peacefully on November 29th in Mill Valley, aged 91. She was the wife of Raymond A. Raiche, who predeceased her in November 2001. They had been married for 52 years. Joyce was born in Westport, Massachusetts on July 29, 1931, to Leo and Esther (Wood) Samson. She leaves four sons, Raymond, Roger, Russell and spouse Bruce Graham, and Ronald and partner Seth Abrahamson; and one daughter; Janet and spouse Alan Perper. Joyce had four grandchildren: Andrea Gray; Raichel, Isaac, and Renee Perper; three step-grandchildren: Sheli Senecal, Sandi Garvie, and Sheri Moore; two great grandchildren: Geordan and Aaryn Gray; two step great grandchildren: Justin and Jason Garvie; and a great-great grandson Emmett Gray. She was predeceased by daughter-in-law Pam Centilli-Raiche and Bob Johnson. She attended Westport public schools and graduated from Dominican Academy in 1949. She married that same year and moved to Newport, Rhode Island. While there she was active at St. Augustin's Church as an avid choir member and secretary of the Parish Council and Mothers Club. Joyce graduated from Bristol Community College in 1982, becoming a librarian at Middleton Public Library and volunteer librarian after retirement in several local libraries. After moving to California in 2003 Joyce continued as volunteer librarian in Reed and Bel Air schools where her grandchildren attended, then at Tiburon Thrift Shop and the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Mill Valley. In Tiburon she was active at St. Hilary Church as a faithful member of the Women's Scripture Study group, Eucharistic Minister, and Women's Club Treasurer. She assisted with St. Hilary's Spiritual Library and volunteered frequently. In 2009, she moved to the Redwoods Retirement Center in Mill Valley, singing with the 'Rock the Ages' chorus, supporting the yearly bazaar, and serving as librarian. Her favorite pastimes were reading, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles. In April 2018, she was presented the Grace Orne Award in honor of her service and dedication to The Redwoods community. She was dearly loved by many for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity. There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Tiburon at 1pm on Monday, December 12th. She will be buried next to her beloved husband at St. Columba's Cemetery in Middletown, Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.

Published by Marin Independent Journal on Dec. 2, 2022.

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