Joyce Termini
Joyce Termini went peacefully home to Heaven on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022, with her children at her side. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 19th, 1936, and to the very end of her earthly life, she loved reminiscing about her days up north.
Joyce was a beautiful and loving woman, sweet to everyone she met, always ready to share her wit and humor. She was passionate about coffee, nature, animals, crossword puzzles, and her favorite game shows (The Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right), but even more passionate about being a great mother, wife, sister, and aunt. She loved laughing and chatting on the phone with her mom and siblings. She never failed to send letters with all the latest news (and a few dollars shoved inside) when her children were living abroad. She strove to be at every soccer game, piano recital, graduation, and karate exhibition, and never hesitated to take the time to listen whenever her wise and loving words were needed the most.
Joyce had a vast variety of job skills, working not only in retail (Woolworth’s and Joske’s), but in various secretarial roles at the light company and Superior Oil—where she’d sometimes greet the future President George Bush, Sr., on the elevator. Her most beloved job was at Bayou Realtors in Dickinson, TX, where she worked as both a real estate agent and a secretary for over 25 years, combined, until her retirement in 2007.
All her life, Joyce was extremely active in the church, whether it be as a teen and twenty-something in the Saint Anne’s Club of Houston, in the Third Order of St. Francis, in various church and community choirs, or in the Young Singles Club (a club she soon left after meeting a handsome, young space engineer named James Termini, to whom she was married for nearly 54 years until he passed away in 2021). She and husband James continued to stay very active at the Shrine of the True Cross in Dickinson, teaching both Confirmation and CCE, being front-and-center at the Adventurous Seniors, and spoiling their friends in the Bible Study when it was their turn to bring the food. Joyce was also a longtime member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Women’s Club, and the Shrine of the True Cross choir. She was a great lover of music, practically a human jukebox, able to recall the lyrics and melodies of songs going all the way back to her early childhood. One of her favorite things to do was to spontaneously sing you a song, and ask, “Have you heard that one before?” It grieved her most especially when she had to start curtailing her involvement with the choir—but she is now thrilled with her new singing role in the angelic choirs of Heaven.
Joyce is preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. (“Jim”) Termini; parents, Charles and Grace Critchell; brother Charles (“Chuck”) Critchell; sister, Barbara Newman; and brother-in-law Earl Newman. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Grace Termini of Seabrook, TX; son, Steven Termini of Dickinson, TX; sister, Holly Blackwell and brother-in-law, Jeff Blackwell of the Woodlands, TX; sister-in-law Lilly Critchell of Victoria, TX; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Monday, December 5th, 7:00pm (a public viewing beginning at 5:00pm, a Rosary at 7:00pm) at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, TX, and a funeral Mass will take place the following morning, December 6th, 11:00am, at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church. Fr. Larry Wilson will preside.
Mary Grace, Steven, and family, you have my deepest heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Your mother was always so sweet when I saw her and never without a smile. I know she’ll be deeply missed by all. May you all find healing grace in time.
Thank you, Don, we surely appreciate that. Yes, mom was full of smiles and good humor, we really miss that! Thanks again, God bless you. Steve
Thank you, Don. I appreciate your sweet comments.
Beautifully written. WhT an amazing lady with so many gifts.
My wife, son, and I were blessed to have Joyce as a neighbor, fellow parishioner, and friend. I never saw her without a smile on her face. Both her and dear Jim were the epitome of joyful living. We will miss her greatly but are comforted to know she and Jim are praying for all of us here in this valley of tears. Requiescat in pace!
Your mother was so kind and helpful to everyone. Bless you and yours for all the wonderful memories.
Steve and Mary Grace, please accept our deepest sympathies. Since the time I would visit your parents on college breaks or on vacations, I always remember your mother having a smile on her face and sharing warmth and hospitality.
What a beautiful testimony to Joyce, Mary Grace and Steve. She was every bit of that and more! I loved the visits to your home at Christmas and the fun family movies you all performed for our entertainment. Joyce was such a special woman and was an important part of our lives. God be with you all.
Jim and Joyce Termani, my Dickinson across the street neighbors, were two of the kindest people I have ever known. They loved all animals, and I had the blessing of watching them raise two sweet and brilliant/talented children: Mary Grace and Steve from young children to contributing adults. Around 2013, Steve played dinner piano at a large party I sponsored. Jim & Joyce are now in heaven and I plan to embrace them at some point in the future. Blessings to Steve and Mary Grace as they celebrate their mother, Joyce, and a life well lived.