Joyce Christine Morrill Gaylard, beloved mother and wife, went home to be with her Lord.

Joyce “Tiss” was born to Calvin Clare Morrill and Betty Mae Blanchard-Tate on Nov. 11, 1948 in her maternal great-grandparents’ home off of Sutton Road in Friday Harbor. She passed away March 6, 2010 after a long illness.

She was one of eight children raised on San Juan Island and continued to keep her home on the island that she loved so deeply. She married Herbert W. Hammond in 1971 and had three children, Herbert, Susan and Ryan. She married Edmond Gaylard in 1992 and with him and his four children, Anja, Kristine, Heidi and Sonja, rounded out their home.

She raised their children with love in a home of laughter. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, the laughter of her children, and later that of her many grandchildren. She had a green thumb, was very creative, energetic and carried a delightfully wicked sense of humor. She was known for her exceptional cooking and often filled her home with friends and family centered around her superb meals. She accepted everyone for who they were and welcomed everyone with open arms, heart and home. She was a passionate advocate for those who were less fortunate.

The love she brought to her family and friends is irreplaceable. We miss you deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Herbert W Hammond; son, Bruce Ryan Hammond; and sister, Carly Morrill Burton.

She leaves behind her husband, Edmond; children, Susan Smith (Daryl) and Herbert Hammond; stepchildren, Anja Lewis (John), Kristine Klampton (Wilem), Heidi Busby (Joe), Sonja Ferris (Mike); many grandchildren; six siblings, Calvin Morrill, Sharon James (Bryon), Gerald Morrill (Bobbie), Daniel Morrill, Tina Martin, Rita Grossarth (David); and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at San Juan Valley Cemetery at 2 p.m. on March 20.

Submitted by the family of Joyce Christine Morrill Gaylard.