1949 - 2024
Visitation
July 10, 20243-7 P.M.
DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA 01863,
Funeral
July 11, 202411 A.M.
St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex Street, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863.
Joyce graduated from Chelmsford High School with the class of 1967. She pursued further education at Lowell General Hospital and Northeastern University’s School of Radiologic Technology, and later obtained an associate degree in Ministry from Merrimack College. Joyce was married to the love of her life, Donald T. (Tim) Wholey with whom she celebrated their 54th anniversary in February. Joyce worked as an x-ray technician and then as a Pastoral Associate at St. John the Evangelist Church in North Chelmsford. Joyce’s life was dedicated to sharing faith, hope, and love with everyone she met. She was a former Girl Scout leader and enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, especially during summers in York, Maine.
Besides her husband Tim, she is survived by her daughters: Dawn and her husband Matthew Cote of Lancaster, MA; Susan and her husband Bryan Richard of Groton, MA; and Beth and her husband Mark D’Orsi of Billerica, MA. She is also survived by her two sons: David and his wife Katie Wholey of Pelham, NH; and Mark and his wife Kelli Wholey of Nashua, NH. Joyce leaves behind her 14 beloved grandchildren: Jennifer, Kevin, and Emily Cote; Ryleigh, Liam, Declan, and Gavin Richard; Timothy, Peter, and Andrew D’Orsi; and Joseph, Annie, Patrick, and Paige Wholey. Joyce also leaves her brother George Cassidy of Maine, many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, especially her three life-long friends: Susan McEnaney, Brenda Avila, and Linda Gervais.
Joyce was predeceased by her sisters, Anne Cassidy, Lilian Cassidy, and Sheila Knight; her stepfather, John D. Knox Jr., stepbrother, John D. Knox III, and her grandson, Benjamin Wholey.
Visiting hours Wednesday, July 10 from 3:00-7:00 PM at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral Thursday July 11, 2024 at 11AM at St. John The Evangelist Church, Chelmsford. Burial in Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joyce’s name to a charity of your choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
John Thomad
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Aunt Joyce will forever remain in our lives and memories. She always made such an impression in the lives of our children. She will be missed.
Lynne and Terry McSheehy
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Joyce has left an amazing legacy of goodness. Her love of God, her family, and friends was evident in everything she did. She will be deeply missed, but she will be long remembered by more people than can even be imagined. We send our deepest condolences to everyone who loved her.
Sharon Wholey
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My heart will forever miss you , but grateful for your love and friendship all these years. There are no words. Sending love, prayers and hugs to Tim and family.
Elana Gonsalves
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I met Joyce when I was the coordinator for Dr. Gates of Brigham and we kept in touch even when he left the hospital. I’m so sad to hear of her passing. She was an absolute delight to be around and I always looked forward to seeing her and Tim. We would often talk about her many grandkids and my family. The entirely Wholey family and Tim are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Ed Quinn
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So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. I remember many of my former students and Joyce stands out as a positive, sweet person..always a pleasure to run into her. She was always sure to let me know how fondly she remembered my class. It was my honor.
Marilyn Houston
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I was so sorry to learn of Joyce’s passing. I worked with Joyce during the best times at the Walk-In Medical center. These years are remembered as some of the greatest experiences and people of my working career. I will always remember Joyce as one of the kindness people I have ever met. She loved and lived for her family. I am sorry for your loss and for the great void she will leave behind. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Lisa Sama
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I am so sorry for all of you. My deepest condolences.
Denise
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My sincere sympathy to the family. Joyce was a really special woman. Happy to have known her even if just for a while.
Fr. Walter
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My sincerest condolences to you Tim and to the whole family! May she Rest In Peace. May choirs of angels welcome her and take her to the new and eternal Jerusalem!
Jane Diles
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My deepest condolences to Tim and the family. Jane Hildreth Diles, CHS class of ‘66.
Patricia Conrad
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Tim, children and grandchildren,
Joyce was a long time friend. She was one of the most kind and caring woman I will ever know. I know there is a special place in heaven for her!
Til we meet again, love, Pat and Dave
Patricia Jamros
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Dear TIM, Children and grandchildren,
Joyce was a lifelong friend.
I admired her love of Family, her kind and gentle nature and her devoted love of her Lord.
She leaves a wonderful legacy in her beloved Tim, children and grandchildren.
I am so sorry for your loss. and she will remain forever in our hearts.
Jaye Russo
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Joyce was a wonderful woman and a cherished colleague. She was always fun to run into… she will be missed….
Jaye Russo
Kathy Flanders
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Dear Wholey family, so sorry for the loss of Joyce, she was a very sweet lady. She will always be your Earth Angel, and send you messages, things, songs, smells, etc….be open to them and thank her for sending them. I just lost my mom this year too, but she is Always sending me messages. May peace, love, and Joy be with you all. Heartfullness Kathy (Neville) Flanders, your babysitter, thought that would put a smile on your faces😊🩷
Rick Lamarre
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To the Wholey Family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of Joyce. Find comfort that she is not suffering any longer. I pray that God gives you the strength to deal with this and remember she will be with all of you every day of your life. Think about all of the happy times you had with her and know one day you will see each other again. God bless all of you.
Jean Swanson
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I will forever miss Joyce. She will stay in my heart for an eternity. Deepest condolences and love to the entire Wholey family whom she loved so much
Mary Maynard Wilson
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My heartfelt sympathy to all of Joyce’s family at her passing. I graduated for CHS with Joyce, and I remember her as a cute, perky Twirler with a sweet smile and disposition to match! We stayed in touch through FaceBook and my heart and prayers were with her to the end! May Joyce’s fondest memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
Jim Norwood
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Tim,
I’m so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was truly the love of your life.
I’m so glad I got to see you both the last time I was back there. My thoughts are with you.
Karin Graham
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Much love and many prayers to the Wholey family. I will never forget Mrs. Wholey and hanging out in the Wholey home/ Girl Scouts/St Johns – she was always so welcoming, caring, loving.
Paula McGovern Downey
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Sorry to hear about our dear classmate Joyce. I have fond and funny memories of her I will always carry with me, she will never be forgotten. May she now Rest in Peace. Paula McGovern Downey Class of ‘67
Cindy (Dupee) Gale
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Tim, I am sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. Remember the happy times and the light she brought to you and your family. Sometimes it helps to smile with the tears.
Michele La Vita
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She sounded like an amazing woman. I am so sorry for your loss. <3
Julie Seitter
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Joyce was a faith-filled force, bringing welcome and encouragement to all who met her at St. John’s. She was one of a few people who stand out in my memories of joining the parish, sharing her smile and extending a hand. Rest in peace.
Jean-Pierre Lambert
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To Timmy and your children: it’s been a while, my friend, and I am very sorry to hear about your beloved wife’s passing. I never called her Joyce (it was always Mrs. Wholey). But – in bringing the Holy Sacrament to my late mother – she was always an extra special ray of light and I THANK her for what that meant. I know how much she loved you and your family. For that, I am sure. I also know how much York Beach, Maine meant to the two of you and what a welcomed respite it always was. Beautiful memories that I now hope will assuage the grief you are all experiencing. She was the epitome of what a true Christian woman should aspire to be and I admired her steadfast faith in Christ. May God’s kind angels carry her to an eternal rest and may he keep all of you but well. Please, accept my sincerest condolences. J.P. Lambert, Tewksbury MA
Dave Perault
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Dear Wholey family,
Sorry to hear about her passing. Prayers to you all and may she rest in peace.
Dave @ NFR
Kristin Martin
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My condolences to the entire Wholey family. May you find peace in knowing that she was a truly loved woman by those she knew. I am sure she was welcomed, as she gave so much to the church. May she rest in peace and will always be with you❤️
Fr. Bob Nee
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Tim you and the kids are in my heart these days when Joyce’s physical presence is lacking. She, however, is very present in her love for you and always will be.
Unfortunately I am prevented from being physically with you today and tomorrow You are not far from me in mind and heart during these difficult hours.
Much love and gratitude
Bob
Debbie McSheehy
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My deepest sympathy to Tim and family. I knew Joyce from St. John’s kindergarten throughout our school years, graduating with her in 1967. Joyce was a kind and loving person to everyone, she will be deeply missed🙏 my condolences to the family. R.I.P. Joyce..
John Leite
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I have known Joyce’s family through her daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Matt since CHS Band years. Great students, with family support on both sides. It is never easy to lose a Loved one but remember all the best of times growing up and enjoying lots of family time. My sincere condolences to the families. John Leite “JL”
James and Elizabeth Cryan
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Dear Tim and Family,
We are saddened to learn of Joyce’s passing, but rejoice that she knew and shared her love of the Lord so well. She was a special person who easily made others feel comfortable and at ease with her. We cherish all the memories of our interactions with Joyce. Jim & Liz Cryan