Joyce A. Miller

Joyce was a mom, a grandmom, a soon-to-be great grandmom, a devoted pet lover, a daughter, sister, an amazing friend, a boss, a colleague, an avid reader, an accomplished pianist, a Broncos fan, and a provider. She moved easily among these roles and often wore many hats simultaneously.

Joyce Ann Miller was born in Denver, Colorado, on November 23, 1948, to Joseph and Virginia Johnson Miller, She, along with sister Bev, comprised the family of four until brother Joe joined the family in 1956. As a young child, Joyce lived in Denver, Akron, CO, and Fargo, ND, returning to Denver in 1954. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1966, later earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Metropolitan State University.

Joyce married Fred Villanueva, in 1967 and their first child, Derek Allen, was born in 1971. Daughter Rebecca Joy joined the family in 1974. The family lived in Naperville, IL, when the children were toddlers, but Joyce and the kids returned to Denver where they have lived ever since.

Joyce worked at The Denver Club before her children were born. Later she was the medical staff manager at Denver’s Mercy Medical Center. When Mercy was acquired by St. Anthony Hospital, her managerial role expanded to include that hospital as well as St. Anthony North, and St. Anthony Summit Hospital in Frisco, CO. The skills she honed working with the physicians and others prepared her well when she joined her sister at Turning Point Healthcare Advisors, Inc. as a consultant specializing in medical staff development planning. Joyce was a consummate professional, giving her employers so much more than a full-time effort. She constantly expanded her knowledge and skills to benefit her employers.

As Joyce moved out of “mommy mode,” she learned how to play bridge, joined a book club, and honed her crossword puzzle skills. She made new friends that supported her in so many ways, especially as her health declined. Her most devoted friend, George Martinez, provided unwavering support that went far beyond Joyce’s and the family’s expectations. He was always there when she called, he took her to medical appointments year after year, he accompanied her on business trips to assure her safety and her ability to perform her job. He made improvements to her home to allow her to navigate and live safely. The list is endless. The family is indebted to the unselfish, incredible men and women who did so much for their friend Joyce.

Throughout her life, Joyce nurtured and loved many pets. She started with Bobby, a parakeet, who was a gift from a great aunt. Several other birds came and went, as did a turtle, before she developed a love for dogs. Alvin, Yogi, Elmer, and Frosty were among the dogs who were lucky to share Joyce’s home. When she could no longer walk the dogs, she invited cats to join the family. Chicago, Winnie, Jack, Samantha, and finally Hope and Joy, two beautiful sister cats who now miss her terribly.

Joyce died on September 1, 2026, after battling MS along with heart and kidney disease. She is survived by her son, Derek (Jennifer) Villanueva; daughter, Rebecca (Alex) Villanueva-Ruiz; grandchildren Kyle, Evan, and Sydny Villanueva; sister, Beverly Schulman; brother, Joseph (Marcy Smith) Miller; niece, Hana Miller; and long-time great friend, George Martinez. Joyce’s first great-grandchild, Dominic James Villanueva, was born shortly after her passing. She had been so excited to welcome him to the family.

Joyce will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched and who hold her in their hearts. Her sense of humor was unparalleled, even through debilitating pain. She was well named, as she indeed brought joy into our lives.

A celebration of life will take place in November. If you would like to be notified of the details, please email Beverly Schulman, Bschulman@tpadvisors.net.