Cathleen Joyce (Brockman) Duell

Cathleen Joyce Duell, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2021 with family members by her side in Paw Paw, Michigan.

Cathleen Joyce Brockman was born on May 27, 1932, in Ionia, Michigan to the late Vern J. Brockman and Lucille B. Brockman (Schmitt) of Ionia, Michigan.

Cathleen, or Joyce, as she was known by many was born and raised in Ionia, Michigan where she attended Ionia High School. It was in Ionia where she met her late husband, Robert D. Duell.
The two were married on August 5, 1950, in a formal military ceremony.  The couple just recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Cathleen held several jobs throughout her life.  Some of her jobs included jewelry store clerk, clerk for the U.S. Government (Great Lakes, IL), secretary at Mitchell Bently Corp., and planter/waterer at Hanson's Greenhouse.  At Hanson’s Greenhouse she was able to work with plants which was something that gave her great pleasure. However, none of these jobs were as rewarding to her as the job of devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Cathleen enjoyed having her family home for Sunday dinners and waiting to get her weekly calls from family members out of town. She enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, birdwatching, attending many Hallmark Club meetings and finding the latest collectibles. She was a great baker and cook. Some of her families’ favorite dishes included cherry cheesecake, macaroni salad and homemade cookies. In her earlier years, she always took great pride in making sure that her son’s sports uniforms were the cleanest and brightest on the field for every game day. She was proud of her family. Above all, Cathleen most enjoyed time spent with her family and friends.

Even in the days preceding her passing, the first words out of her mouth when anyone stopped by to visit were “Are you hungry?” or “Do you want something to eat?”. It was always hard to say no to having a cookie or two with Mom/Grandma.

Cathleen is survived by her children: Debra Harvey, Doris Duell, Denise (Steve) Hopkins, Jon Duell, James Duell and Mark (Kimberly) Duell. Her grandchildren are: Nicholas Duell, Chase Duell (Rachel Perkins), Caitlin Hopkins, Madison and Meghan Duell.
Cathleen is also survived by her brother, Thomas (Pat) Brockman and sister Genevieve (Jenny) Wright and several nieces and nephews.

Even though Cathleen was battling Alzheimer’s Disease, the passing of her husband, Robert ten days prior was too much for her to bear.  Once again, they are together in heaven to continue their journey together forever.

Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, Friend and Neighbor you both will dearly missed by all.

There will be a memorial service held November 30, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, with Fr. Richard Altine officiating. Joyce and Robert will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.