Joyce Helen Braun, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in Oxford, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. True to her strong nature, Joyce fought a courageous battle with cognitive and respiratory issues. Although these illnesses slowed her body and mind, they never diminished the adventurous spirit and unforgettable personality that defined her life.

Joyce was born on May 14, 1942, in St. Albans, Queens, New York to Alma Cloughen and Walter Braun and grew up in Elmont, New York. Her life was one well lived and marked by a spirit of adventure, laughter and a deep devotion to traditions, friends and family. Joyce will be remembered for her direct and outspoken nature, her dry sense of humor, infectious laughter, and her big, beautiful smile.

A lifelong Educator, Joyce earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the State University of New York at Oswego and later obtained her Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Stony Brook University in New York. She dedicated 33 years of her life to education as a Third Grade Teacher in West Islip, New York. She impacted generations of students with stories of her adventures visiting countries around the world, as well as with her spirited personality. After retiring from teaching in New York, Joyce moved to Naples, then Leesburg, Florida, where she was married for 20 years. As a Retiree, Joyce worked at Disneyworld/Epcot in Orlando. 

Joyce embraced life fully and fearlessly. An avid traveler and explorer, she journeyed to many countries on the globe. These included: The Netherlands, Spain, Croatia, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Italy, The Czech Republic and China, to name a few! She went on safari in Tanzania, East Africa and enjoyed luxury cruises throughout the United States and abroad, as well as extensive RV travel across America. Proud of her Irish heritage and lineage, Joyce made many cherished trips to Ireland over the years, forming lasting friendships and memories abroad. 

She found joy in snow skiing, deep-sea fishing, parasailing in the Florida Keys, hot air balloon rides, seaplane adventures, live music concerts, Broadway musicals, and relaxing on her pontoon boat. Joyce treasured time spent at her tiny house in North Carolina and especially loved gathering with her family during Summer clambakes in New York. Traditional Christmas mornings were especially special for Joyce, and she faithfully spent them with her Nieces and Loved Ones. In celebration of her adventurous spirit, Joyce got a tattoo for her 75th birthday!

Joyce had a refined appreciation for the finer things in life, including diamond and gold jewelry, lobster dinners, dark chocolate and red wine. She also had an affinity for cheeseburgers, Budweiser beer, and Pepsi cola! She enjoyed wine at happy hour in her assisted living community each week. 

Joyce was a devoted animal lover who adored her dog Nicky, aka Nicotine, along with many other dogs and parakeets that she cared for throughout her life. Her favorite music brought her great comfort and happiness, especially performances by The Irish Tenors, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Julio Iglesias, and Lyle Lovett. 

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Alma Braun and Walter Braun; her Aunt Helen Cloughen; her Uncles Jack Cloughen, Joe Cloughen, and Harold Braun. 

She is survived by her sister, Judy Joy Chiarelli; Niece and Goddaughter Christine Joy Chiarelli, Niece Jennifer Ann Chiarelli; Baron Gordon; Grandniece Grace Gordon; Grandnephew Jack Gordon; Niece Wendee Korsnack; Steve Korsnack; Grandnephew Brenden Korsnack; Grandniece Kaylin Korsnack; Kent Toole; Kent Toole II, Kirk Toole, and Kristoffer Toole, as well as Grandpets Theo, Nala, Starina, Bella and Chase! 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society in The Villages, Florida. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Patty Baker Humane Society of Naples in Joyce’s memory. http://pbhsnaples.org