Joyce S. Hesketh, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, musician, teacher, artist, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Denver, Colorado, on August 19, surrounded by love. She was 90 years old.

Born in Pennsylvania on March 25, 1935, Joyce grew up with music in her soul and creativity in her hands. At six years old she discovered the piano, and soon after, a passion for the French horn—a "large and loud" instrument for such a petite, shy child, but one that symbolized her lifelong readiness to say yes to adventure. With encouragement and practice, she rose to become one of the finest young musicians in her region, eventually studying French horn at the prestigious Oberlin School of Music.  She earned a Bachelors degree in music education from West Chester State College and a Masters from Southern Illinois University in piano pedagogy.

Her life was a storybook—quite literally. At her 90th birthday, her family celebrated her life with a fairy tale entitled "A Star is Born: The Story of a Musical Princess." It captured what everyone knew to be true: Joyce was a radiant princess of music, grace, and generosity. She met her tall, kind prince—Howard E. Hesketh—and together they built a life filled with love, music, and five children born across a span of 20 years. They made their home in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois, where Joyce filled every community with music and beauty.

Joyce was a consummate musician, playing more than a dozen instruments. She was equally at home behind the church organ, in a symphony choir, or with her beloved concert harp. Children adored her whimsical performances in which she sometimes played harp while wearing fairy wings, a reminder that music is as magical as it is serious. For more than 20 years, she served as choir director and organist for the United Church of Christ, the First United Methodist Church, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale, IL, among others. Joyce also taught countless students piano, harp, violin, viola, French horn and voice lessons at her studio, Le Jardin de Musique.  She also taught music history, music appreciation, and ear training courses at John A. Logan college. Her joy spilling over to generations of musicians.

Over the years she played with the Southern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra, and more recently performing with Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra with one of her final performances taking place in the glorious Sagrada Familla. Her artistry did not stop with music. Joyce was a painter of delicate watercolors, an expert quilter, and a seamstress with extraordinary skill. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when masks were scarce, she spent nearly a year tirelessly sewing beautiful handmade masks for frontline and essential workers. Her creativity was always an offering to others.

Community and service were woven into her life. Joyce was an active member of Rotary Club, the National Guild of Organists, Beethoven Society and the Morning Etude Club. She believed in living for others—sharing music, volunteering her time, and offering kindness at every turn.

Family was always at the heart of Joyce's story. She raised three sons and two daughters, guiding them with music, faith, humor, and boundless love. She cared for her husband, Howard, through his long battle with Parkinson's disease, her tiny frame somehow finding the strength to lift and care for a man a foot taller. After his passing, she continued to live fully—teaching, quilting, making art, and delighting in her grandchildren's music. Even in her final years, she could be found directing a choir, crafting gifts with Circuit machines, or winning costume contests with her extravagant outfits.

Her chaplain described her as a "delightful 90-year-old socialite," always leading, organizing, and connecting, still finding beauty in Easter baskets, family performances, and the sparkle of everyday life.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Hesketh. She is survived by her sister, Peggy Hassey of Lewiston, New York; her five children: Howard W. Hesketh (Kathy Hesketh) of Oakville, Missouri; Ryan Hesketh of Carbondale, Illinois; Robert Hesketh (Fiona Hesketh)  of Sicklerville, New Jersey; Joy Strotz (Eric Strotz) of Incline Village, Nevada; and Melody Moore (Josh Moore) of Denver, Colorado; fourteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Requiem Mass will be held November 18th at 12:30pm at The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Carbondale, Illinois, followed by a joyful celebration of her remarkable life. A small memorial was held for local friends and family in Denver, CO a few days after Joyce's passing.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Joyce's name, to the Southern Illinois Music Festival . Checks should be payable to the SIU Foundation with "SIFest Hesketh Memorial" in the memo line and can be mailed to:

Southern Illinois Music Festival

SIU School of Music, MC 4302

Carbondale, IL 62901-4302

Joyce will be remembered as an angel on earth—joyful, creative, deeply caring, and endlessly generous with her time and talent. She leaves behind a legacy of music, art, family, and love that will continue to ripple outward for generations.