Joyce Ayik

Joyce Carrie (Plouffe) Ayik, 80, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister sadly left us on January 22, 2023 following a brief illness.

Joyce grew up in Auburn and moved to Worcester after high school. She graduated from Auburn High and married her boyfriend, George Ayik in 1964. They were married for 48 years until his death in 2012.

Joyce worked for Nasa until she made the decision to be a proud stay-at-home mother and wife. She later attended Quinsigamond Community College to become a Registered Nurse and worked with the Alzheimer patient population.

She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles and sudoku. She enjoyed studying astrology with her friends, summer at Hampton Beach and trips to Disney with her family. She also enjoyed Florida vacations and being lost in the desert with Rosemary.

Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were always at her house, often overnight and sometimes more than one at a time. They loved Meme’s house. Her home was their home. Her door was always open. They were her everything.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband George Ayik of Worcester. She is survived by her children Michelle Fernald of Sterling, Jason Ayik and his wife Maria of Jefferson, Michael Ayik of Worcester, and her stepson Gary Ayik and his partner Darleen Anderson of Orange City, Florida. She also leaves her sister Gail Stevens and her partner John Richard of Rutland. She was Meme to seven grandchildren; Tyler, Jacob, Jason, Madison, Andi, Ryan, Joshua and two great grandchildren, Tanner and Greyson.

Calling Hours will be held Tuesday January 31, 2023 at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL,  370 Plantation Street Worcester MA 01605 from 1:00-3:00 pm with a brief service to follow at 3:00 pm.