Joyce E. Parent

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Joyce E. [Walker] Parent passed away on October 15, 2026, after a joyful lifetime of adventures with family and friends.

Joyce was the youngest of five children, born on May 21, 1942, to Hazel [Bowers] Walker and Newell G. Walker. Although she lived her entire life within a five-mile radius of her childhood home in Southbridge, Massachusetts, her love, kindness, and influence reached far beyond those miles.

Raised on a farm in Southbridge, Joyce developed a lifelong love of animals, especially cats and horses. She met the love of her life, Roland A. Parent, while they were both working in the shipping department at American Optical. They were married on May 1, 1965, and together built a life centered around family, horses, and the farm they cherished.

Joyce was a dedicated member of the National Grange throughout her life, beginning with the Southbridge Grange and later joining the Charlton Grange alongside Roland when the Southbridge chapter closed. Together they shared their love of horsemanship by leading a 4-H group, helping countless young people learn and grow through their experiences with horses.

Community involvement was a hallmark of Joyce's life. She was a member of the Hayloft Steppers Square Dancing Club, led a Brownie troop when her oldest daughter participated, and volunteered at Sunshine Corner Nursery School while her youngest daughter attended. In later years she enjoyed being a part of Quinebaug Valley Singers, a local choral group. She served as church secretary at the East Woodstock Congregational Church and was instrumental in helping organize the East Woodstock Food Co-op. Her good friend, Jacki Gaydos, enjoys recalling the many adventures and laughter they shared while working together there.

Throughout her life, Joyce held several jobs, but she truly found her calling as a school bus driver for the Town of Woodstock. For more than 30 years, she safely transported generations of children, taking special delight when the children of former riders boarded her bus. She drove the Ellis Tech route for many years, often being the first bus on the road each morning. Many local residents fondly remember the buses parked in the yard at Parentlea Farm, a familiar sight that reflected Joyce's devotion to her work and community.

When Joyce retired from school bus driving at age 70, she proudly announced to her family that she was going to start driving "the old people." She then joined Northeast Transit, where she continued serving the community and making new friends among the passengers she transported. She deeply enjoyed the relationships she built through those years and continued driving until her retirement in 2021.

Above all else, Joyce treasured her family and friends. Whether caring for animals, working in the community, sharing stories around the kitchen table, or lending a helping hand, she lived a life defined by generosity, hard work, and an unwavering love for those around her. Her warmth, humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, service, and community that will continue to inspire generations. Though she will be deeply missed, the countless memories she created and the lives she touched will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Roland A. Parent; her daughter Amy Jajliardo and her husband Glenn, of Mt. Vernon, ME; her daughter Rebecca Robbins and her husband Sean, of Redwood City, CA; her son Tobias Parent and his partner Lo Audley, of Southbridge, MA; her daughter Marion Inwards and her husband Brian, of Cascade, ID.; her sister Ruth Lamoureux and her husband Len, of Portland, OR; 13 grandchildren: Jesse, Daniel, Isaiah, Zeke, Jacob, Ezra, Alycia, David, Emeline, Faith, Laura, Michael, Abigail; and 8 great-grandchildren: Savannah, Alex, Ryder, Sahmaya, Iris, Archer, Juniper, Henry; and many nieces and nephews, as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings: Marcia Block, Christine Wiley, and Lemuel Walker.

Calling hours are from 10AM-11AM on Saturday, October 31st at the Elm Street Congregation Church, 61 Elm Street, Southbridge MA. A funeral service will follow at 11AM.

Services are entrusted to the Belanger Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street, in Southbridge.

An online guestbook and tribute video are available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com