Obituary
Joyce Maxine (Cain) Gothman
GOTHMAN, Joyce M. Gothman (Cain) 1/24/1934– 10/07/2025, Age 91
Previously of Grand Rapids MI and recently of Englewood Florida joyfully embarked on her
newest adventure, joining her lord and savior in heaven.
Joyce loved the many friendships she made as a local real estate agent for almost 40 years.
Her inquisitive nature always left her on a quest to learn new things. This manifested itself in many ways with two of the most memorable being, engaging you in loquacious conversations and the composition of the English vocabulary.
She took great pleasure in adventure and travel and tried to live up to her name in finding
“JOY” in all she did.
During retirement Joyce was inspired to follow her love of art and created many splendid pieces that will be cherished by many.
Preceded in death was her husband of 43 years Vernon.
Joyce leaves behind her precious children, Pam (Richard) Pierce, Terri (Frank) Rosenzweig, Ken (Sue) Gothman, Bob (Colleen) Gothman.
She will be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren to whom she leaves a legacy of love; Brian (Nana), Jared (Olivia) Andrew, Beth (Shawn), Patrick (Jacob), Kyle, Benjamin (Cristina),
Kelvin (Kelly), Shane (Marlee) and Christopher.
7 great grandchildren; Connor, Addisyn, Hunter, Smile, Sky, Amelia and Augustine.
Beloved sister Kathleen (John) Rose and brother Gerald (Irene) Cain.
Cherished nieces and nephews, gal pals and friends.
Joyce would want us to leave you with her signature sign off… “Love you a bushel and a peck!”
Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration will be held at a later date to
commemorate her life, love , inspiration and JOY.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to AMBUCs of Grand Rapids.
ETERNAL YOUTH
Eternal Youth is remembering that life is like a dance – sometimes slow, awkward, hesitant, sometimes rhythmic and beautiful.
Eternal youth is (dancing with joy) rushing to see what’s around the next corner. Sometimes it’s a funeral dirge or it could be a steel-drum band beating a lively swirling rhythm. It’s knowing that life is like a big, red, juicy apple, biting into it and letting juices run down your chin.
Eternal youth cannot wait to see “what’s next”. It’s finding joy in the moment, holding your breath with child-like anticipation and awe, splashing through puddles and dancing in the rain.
Eternal youth is about love. Loving and allowing yourself to be loved. It’s a gamble, but so worth the gamble. Loving mankind enough to give yourself by an act of self-sacrifice or just a kind word to a broken spirit. It’s knowing that grief is like a bus stop. Ok to rest there, but you cannot live in the bus stop. Sooner or lat-er, you need to get on the bus. It’s about appreciating life and finding something to be grateful for- be it a bright, clear blue sky or a tiny flower in the meadow of life. It’s making the time “between the dash” on your tombstone, count. What is your lega-cy – your gift?
Keep learning – it keeps the brain dancing
Keep laughing – it keeps the belly dancing.
Do what you love – Love what you do.
Joyce Gothman
Joy2U
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