Joyce Marie Roettele (Braga), 78, a woman of profound grace, warmth, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Joyce was born on September 25, 1947, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Mary (Mello) Vandenberg and Manuel Braga, Jr. Proudly 100% Portuguese, her family’s roots traced back to São Miguel in the Azores, from where her grandparents immigrated to New Bedford. Her heritage and culture were a cornerstone of her life, and she carried a piece of "home" back east in her heart wherever she went, always maintaining that no seafood in the world could ever top New Bedford’s.

A strikingly beautiful woman, Joyce prided herself on her appearance, her effortless fashion, and creating a perfectly decorated, welcoming home. She was the ultimate hostess, happiest when bringing family and friends together over an incredible meal. Her kitchen was often filled with the rich aromas of traditional Portuguese cooking, from favas to the famous kale soup with linguica, among others. Beyond her culinary talents, Joyce had a deep love for her collies and horses, found joy in quilting, possessed a sharp eye for a great clearance-aisle bargain, and loved listening to the music of Johnny Mathis and Barbra Streisand, and many more.

Above all else, family was Joyce’s everything. She possessed a rare, welcoming presence that made anyone in her company feel instantly at home, and she showered her loved ones with endless attention and affection.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lon Roettele; her former husband, Joseph Anderson; her parents; and her beloved Godmother (Minga), Anna Braga and many other family and true friends.

Joyce’s legacy of love lives on through her children, Joseph Anderson, Jr., and Jennifer (Bill) Lucero, born of her first marriage to Joseph Anderson; and her stepsons, Ryan (Lisa) Roettele and Rodney Roettele.

She was the adored "Voa Voa" to her grandchildren, Amanda (Ashley), Jacqueline (Alex), Samantha (Adam), Kaitlyn, Kayla (Dustin), Jeffrey, and Aidan (Emma), and the cherished "Bisa Voa" to her many great-grandchildren. All of whom brought her great joy. She is also survived by her two deeply loved sisters, Sharon (Steve) and Robin (Lee); her cousin and lifelong "sister," Linda; as well as the godchildren who lovingly called her "Minga," and the nephews who knew her as "Tia" or "Tila."

Joyce was adored by everyone who knew her, and her warmth will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In a lieu of flowers, the family has decided donations are to be made out to the Alzheimer's Association.

Services will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel & Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at https://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com/