Joyce Marie Fil

Joyce Marie Fil of Caro, age 81, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at United Hospice of Marlette. She was born on May 5, 1944 in Bay Port, the daughter of the late Orie and Lawanda (Dutcher) Gnagey. Joyce was a proud graduate of Owen-Gage High School. She continued her education at Goshen College in Indiana, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, and later at Eastern Michigan University, where she obtained a master’s degree in teaching. Joyce dedicated more than twenty-six years to Flushing Community Schools, where she taught elementary students with patience, passion, and kindness until retiring due to disability.

On June 17, 1978, Joyce married the love of her life, Alexander Fil. Their marriage was blessed with over forty-seven years, two wonderful children, and countless memories. Joyce loved to quilt and always enjoyed her Bay Shore Quilting Retreats each year. She also enjoyed creating beautiful handmade cards and was a voracious reader. Joyce and Alexander loved traveling, and among their many adventures, her recent trip to Prince Edward Island in Canada held a special place in her heart. She had the biggest heart and was always someone you could turn to, offering comfort, encouragement, and love. Her legacy of warmth and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Alexander Fil; children, Jeremy Michael (Amanda) Fil and Jaclyn Marie Fil; grandchildren, Preston Jajo-Fil, Levi Jajo-Fil, Odin Fil, Hattix Fil, and Sullivan Fil; siblings, Roger (Pam) Gnagey and Kathryn Seibel; sisters-in-law, Sandra Gnagey and Cathy Palka-Fil; brothers-in-law, Nicholas Fil, Michael (Debbie) Fil, and John (Laura) Fil; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings, Mae Stalter and Ronald Gnagey.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Pigeon River Mennonite Church, 7120 Geiger Rd, Pigeon, MI 48755. Rev. Dave Maurer will officiate with the burial following at the church cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Pigeon River Mennonite Church.