Joyce Delores Girard, age 91 of West Haven, beloved wife of the late Roland Girard, entered into eternal rest on January 20, 2025 at the CT Hospice, Branford with her family by her side. Born in Derby, CT on April 13, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Eduardo DePina and Harriet Leola Martin-Tavares. Mrs. Girard was raised in Ansonia and was a 1951 graduate of Ansonia High School. She worked for many years as a self-employed home health aide and housekeeper, until the time of her retirement. Mrs. Girard enjoyed trips to the casinos, sewing & knitting- hand crafting countless items for family and friends. She was a talented cook and would prepare her favorite recipes for family gatherings and holidays. Mrs. Girard will be long remembered for her special dedication and love for her family. She is survived by her devoted children, Lance Maynard of West Haven, Roxanne Stovall of East Haven, Christina Maynard of West Haven, William Barnett of West Haven, Gary Barnett of West Haven, Jonathan Barnett and his wife Teri of West Haven and David Barnett and his wife Christine of New Haven; 27 cherished grandchildren, Dominique Barnett, Destiny Barnett, Devin Barnett, Dante Barnett, Craig Barnett, David Barnett Jr., Christopher Almadovar, Nicole Holloway, Lyndell Behrle, Brandon Brown, Charmaine Maynard, Jerrod Maynard, Charles Maynard, Kiana Barnett, Kayla Barnett, Jonathan Patterson, Anthony Coleman, Gary Barnett Jr., Shalepia Piper, Michelle Coleman, Amani Barnett, Alayna Barnett, Valerie Barnett and William “Billy” Barnett; 29 cherished great-grandchildren, Skylar Velazquez, Jayce Velazquez, Chance Johnson, Avia Barnett, Christian Candelario, London Jones, RayAllen Behrle, Elijah Behrle, Mashawn Greene, Kyshawn Greene, Rani Williams, Rihanna Williams, Tyanna Brown, Tia Maynard, Delvin Prescod, Anijah Maynard, Knasciera Maynard, Savonna Marks, Jade Patterson, Jada Coleman, Anthony Coleman, Jr., Alaya Coleman, Alicia Piper, Jashawn Daniels Jr., Summer Piper, Bobby McKnight Jr., Justice Coleman and Legacy Coleman-Evans; 7 cherished great-great-grandchildren, Layla Brown, Kyla Brown, Wynter Brown, Emery Prescod, Aniya Harris, Savonna Marks, and Leilani Behrle. In addition to her husband of 32 years, Mrs. Girard was predeceased by her first husband, William Barnett Jr.; sons, Craig and Anthony Maynard; daughter, Hope Barnett; sisters, Virginia Perry, Harriet Parks, and Barbara Wright; brothers, Gerald Martin-Tavares and Andrew Martin-Tavares, Jr.; and a granddaughter, Niya Maynard.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Promise Land Church of God, 240 Burwell Road, West Haven. A memorial service in celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.