Mary Joyce Dunn

Mary Joyce Dunn, a devoted mother, cherished grand-and great-grandmother, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the age of 90.

Joyce was born as Mary Joyce Morgan in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Her family, including Joyce and her two sisters, moved to Seattle and settled in the Wallingford neighborhood where Joyce excelled at school and was elected “Miss Wallingford” in her senior year of high school. She and her sisters sang and performed as “The Morgan Sisters” for military troops at Fort Lewis and Fort Lawton during the war.

An excellent student, Joyce went on to graduate from the University of Washington, where she met her husband, Robert (“Bobby”) Dunn, a running back, then quarterback for the UW Huskies. They married in 1958 and began a life together filled with family, friendship, faith, and football.

Bob’s football coaching career took the family to Southern California, then to Anacortes, and finally to Olympia, where Joyce and Bob made their home and raised their two children, Robert (“Rob”) Dunn and Jennifer (”Jenni”) Dunn (Cobb).

Joyce was an early childhood teacher for many years, sharing her knowledge and encouragement with her students. Later, she began a new chapter by opening and successfully running a delicatessen in Tumwater. Whether she was teaching, working in her business, serving her church, or spending time with those she loved, Joyce brought warmth and generosity to everything she did.

Joyce had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and cared for. She was witty, thoughtful, gracious, generous, and a loyal friend. Full of light and warmth, Joyce naturally drew others to her.

She loved deeply—her family, her friends, her church, and her neighbors. She found joy in gardening, cheering for Bob’s and Rob’s football teams, Jenni’s track meets and watching Jenni cheerlead for the Oly Bears and then the UW Huskies. Joyce created handmade cards for family and friends for every holiday and special occasion. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she remained actively involved in her church throughout the years.

Joyce’s love, kindness, humor, faith, and generous spirit will live on through her family and the many people whose lives were brighter because they knew her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob; her son, Rob; and her sister, Janice.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Patricia; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Olympia at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, followed by a reception in the church Gathering Space.