Helen "Joyce" (Hunter) Oakes

Helen "Joyce" Oakes, 74, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2025, after an undiagnosed battle with lung cancer.  She was born on March 27, 1951 to Tracey and Joan Hunter and grew up in Tennessee surrounded by a large and hardworking family.  She then spent several years in Dublin, Indiana where she married, James Harrison Oakes on April 21, 1973.  In 1977, they moved to Belvidere where she built a life rooted in love, generosity and community.

Joyce dedicated her life to caring for others.  She had a gift for patience and nurturing, whether tending to her parents during their time of need; supporting her husband of 35 years during hunting seasons, fishing trips and long years of third-shift schedule; or praying for her kids' safety whether they were driving a treasured Mustang, riding a skateboard, making a long trip or anytime they were far from home.  Supporting friends and family through all seasons of life, Joyce was the strong and dependable bedrock of her family.  Her selflessness allowed those around her to grow, heal and flourish. 

A devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and lover of classic country and rock music, especially The Eagles, Joyce found joy in simple pleasures.  She enjoyed her many gardens and plants, fried the best porkchop around, appreciated the wildlife near her home, relished a good night of bingo and most of all, she cherished her family.  She took great pride in her children and delighted in bragging about them.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, as well as her parents and five siblings.  She is survived and will be deeply missed by her brother, Mark (Teresa) Hunter; her sister, Brenda "Jo" Hunter; her son, Darrin (Andrea) Oakes; her step-granddaughter, Shawnee (Patrick Vollmer) Klatt; the four for whom she was a second mother - Ashley (Brandon Wall) Gloria, Jonathan Gloria, Joseph Bernal and Alexandria (Anastashia) Bernal; her many loved nieces and nephews.  She will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

She has been cremated and will be laid to rest beside her husband after a graveside service at 11 am on Saturday July 5, 2025 at South Lawn Cemetery in Dublin, Indiana.

Memorials may be directed to the family or better yet, honor Joyce's legacy by showing kindness to someone in need.  That's exactly what she would have done. 

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