KEENE, NH — Joyce M. Birch 86, a resident of American House, Keene, NH and a former longtime resident of Marlborough, NH, passed away on December 24, 2020 at the Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth Hitchcock, with her son and daughter in law at her side.
Her parents, Theresa (Lebrun) and Daniel Lahaye, Sr. welcomed their daughter into the world on March 21, 1934 in Lebanon, NH. She grew up in Lebanon, attended local schools and was a graduate of Lebanon High School. She married the love of her life, Kenneth Birch on August 28, 1956.
A resident of Marlborough, NH since 1963, Joyce cherished her time at the family home, raising her family and sharing many wonderful memories with her husband, Kenneth.
Joyce worked for many years in retail at the former Rich’s Department Store, Kings Department Store and the Giant Department Store, all in Keene.
Joyce enjoyed fishing and camping with her family and friends in Pittsburgh. She relished the winters spent at their home in Port Orange, Florida and loved hosting family and friends from both the Keene area and Florida for the annual Daytona Bike Week.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Joyce will be greatly missed by her son, Roger D. Birch and his wife, Kathleen, of Keene; four grandchildren, Samuel W. Clapp, Jonathan Miles McKenna, Bethany R. McKenna, Carrie J. McKenna; two sisters, Pearl Cantlin of Cornish, Doris Lary of Grantham, NH; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Joyce was predeceased by her husband of sixty years, Kenneth B. Birch on January 30, 2016, her son, Edward K. Birch on June 3, 2018, and her brothers, Dan Lahaye, Jr., Henry Lahaye, Jim Lahaye, and a sister, Jane Lahaye.
A graveside service will be held in the spring in the Valley Cemetery, Lebanon, NH, at a date and time to be announced.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Birch’s memory to Linda’s Closet, 43 Cypress Street, Keene, NH 03431.
The Foley Funeral Home of Keene is assisting the family with the arrangements. To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.foleyfuneralhome.com.