Maureen Joyce Hedeen

Maureen Joyce (Taylor) Hedeen
Feb. 28, 1931 - Nov. 3, 2015

Maureen Joyce Hedeen, 84, died Tuesday in her home, surrounded by family, in Monmouth, Oregon.

Joyce was born February 28, 1931 in Coquille, Oregon to George Washington Taylor and Esther Miriam (Roeder) Taylor. Her early years were spent tagging along and creating a ruckus with her older brother Bob Taylor and loving on her younger sister Helen (Taylor) Howe. They spent time at George's service station, which later became Taylor's Sport Shop, and the family cabin at Croft Lake. Joyce graduated from Coquille High School in 1949 and went on to 2 years at Willamette University, followed by 2 years at San Jose State, graduating in elementary education.

It was at Willamette University that Joyce met her husband Wesley Richard Hedeen. They were married July 26, 1953 at Pioneer United Methodist Church in Coquille. The two loved to travel - traveling in Europe, RV-ing with friends, and many family trips. They also brought culture into their home by hosting many exchange students.

The two started their life together in Glide, Oregon where Joyce was an elementary school teacher, and Wes was a band and choir teacher. She taught in Glide for four years before moving back to Coquille, where she worked another 25 years teaching elementary students and Title 1 Reading Program. It was in Coquille that they raised their three daughters.

Joyce was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, PEO, and Pioneer United Methodist Church in Coquille. She was also a 4-H leader and a volunteer for the Smart Reading Program in Coquille and Independence, Oregon.

Joyce loved gardening, tole painting, scrapbooking, traveling and watching her grandkids sporting and musical events. She was an avid sports fan! She loved being outside, looking at the clouds, being at the Croft Lake cabin and having family and friends gathered around the table for meals. Mostly she loved the Lord and her family. She pursued Him relentlessly. She loved her family well and would go or do anything with them.

Joyce is survived by her three steadfast daughters and spouses: Karen (Tim) Pflaum; Jan (Jeff) Pratt; and Diane (Bill) Riddell, all of Monmouth; eleven grandchildren: Erik, Katy and Mary Jo Pflaum; Jordan, Joseph, John and Jesse Pratt; Helena, Hannah, Wesley and Annika Riddell; and two great-grandchildren: Clayton and Clyde Pratt; brother Bob and sister Helen. Joyce was also known as Momma to her exchange students, Sophie (Inze') Armstrong, Bezda Carias, Khanh Minh Tang, Inger (Eri) Brstad, and Helena Eriksson. She was preceded in death by her husband Wesley.

A celebration of life will be held November 21, 2015 at 11 am at Monmouth Christian Church, 959 Church St W, Monmouth. There will also be a coffee hour remembrance for Joyce at Pioneer United Methodist Church, 180 N Baxter St, Coquille, Oregon on November 22 from 12-2 pm. In lieu of any donations the family asks that you go and make some memories with your family, maybe eat a Blizzard, Joyce would love that.

Farnstrom Mortuary is caring for the family. Please share your memories at FarnstromMortuary.com.