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Josephine Carpenter
JOSEPHINE JOYCE CARPENTER
Solon
Josephine Joyce Carpenter of Solon, formerly of Mount Vernon, died July 4, 2021.
She was born in Masonville, Iowa, on Aug. 6, 1936, to Francis and Eula (nee Lamb) Cummings. Joyce married Howard L. Carpenter in 1961 in Cedar Rapids, where their five children were born. In 1977, they moved to Mount Vernon, where she adeptly managed their family and her career at the Cedar Rapids Post Office.
She was ever-loving and profoundly generous to her family and friends, unyielding in her determination, friend to the underdog, critic of scoundrels, feeder of the hungry, master of all she attempted, and an unwavering Irish Democrat.
Joyce is missed by her husband, Howard; sons, Christopher of Coralville and Matt (Beth) of Appleton, Wis.; daughters, Cherise (Lance Thorpe), Iowa City, and Renee (Peter Ault) of Mount Vernon; and her grandchildren, Jack Carpenter, Rachel Thorpe, Joe Carpenter, Ben Thorpe and Henry Ault. She is further survived by sister-in-law, Patricia Cummings of North Charleston, S.C.; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Mark; brothers, Francis, Clair and James; and sisterm Beverly (Sister Mary Kevin PBVM).
According to her wishesm Joyce departs with no public fanfare. Memorial donations may be made to the Mount Vernon Lisbon Food Pantry, Goodwill or KCCK Radio.
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