Joyce Manzello, 86, of Paris Texas, formerly of Ashby, Massachusetts, passed away on September 19, 2026, surrounded by her 2 sons, after her long hard battle with pancreatic cancer.
Joyce was born September 12, 1940, in Ashby, Massachusetts, to Bruno and Fannie Nevala. A lifelong New Englander for most of her life, she was raised in Ashby, graduated from Ashby High School in 1958, and remained deeply connected to the town and community where she raised her family.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husbands, Richard Saari and Michael Manzello; her sons, Robert Saari and Mark Manzello; her brother, Michael Nevala; and her sister, Linda Nevala.
She is survived by her sons, Greg Saari and David Manzello; her sister, Barbara Stevens; her grandchildren, Joshua, Benjamin, Jacob, Dominic, Kole, Arianna, and Matthew; 4 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Joyce spent much of her life as a devoted stay-at-home mother and later worked as a housekeeper for several longtime private clients. Her faith was central to who she was. A lifelong Missouri Synod Lutheran, she worshiped for many years at Messiah Lutheran Church and later at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
She loved gardening, playing with her grandkids, and was known for her remarkable baking. She also loved her dogs, family gatherings, weekly Scrabble games with dear friends, and caring for the people around her.
Small in stature but mighty in spirit, Joyce lived with deep faith, unconditional love, humor, and a sense of SISU. She endured profound loss throughout her life, yet continued to care for, pray for, feed, protect, and love the people fortunate enough to know her.
A memorial service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Westminster, MA, and she will be buried in Glenwood Cemetery in Ashby, MA
