Joyce Block (known as Ma Joyce), passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013, with all her children at her side. She was 90.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joyce was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jenny Goldstein Altman.

Joyce was a dancer, appearing in several Broadway shows, including the original Oklahoma. While recuperating at a resort from a dance injury, she met Carl Block, a musician, who was performing there. They fell in love, and shared 60 years of loving marriage before Carl passed away in 2002.

In the early 1950s the Blocks moved to Harlingen, NJ, which Joyce loved. From there, they took the family to Phoenix, AZ, which was too hot… so off to Buffalo, NY, where their house was a haven of late night coffee klatches, young people and spirited ideas, including one of the first women’s liberation meetings in the area.

Joyce and Carl moved to New Hope in 1975, where they were both a vital part of the community. Later, they settled in Doylestown, and continued their open door policy, welcoming many for what became celebrated Sunday dinners.

Joyce was an activist until the end. She was among the first to call attention to voter ID regulations, and proud to participate in the lawsuit to reverse the bill.

Throughout her life, Joyce was a positive force, touching the lives of those who met her. She inspired people to believe in themselves, and she was the best example of kindness and a loving heart.

Joyce lived for her children, and there were many. She leaves behind
Tom, Randee Sue, Teddy, Jamie, Tim, Cathy, 14 grandchildren, all their spouses, whom she considered her children, and 10 great grandchildren, including one born 6 days before she died.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebratory memorial on June 9, 2013 at (Location and time TBD).

Joyce was a supporter of the Hepatitis B Foundation, co-founded by her son Tim and daughter-in-law Joan. For anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in her memory, they may be made to The Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Road, ?Doylestown, PA 18902.