Joyce Yeowart Celentino

Joyce Yeowart Celentino, age 88, of East Lansing, MI, died peacefully surrounded by her family on September 23rd, 2014.  She was born July 4th, 1926 in Liverpool, England to Frederick and Elizabeth Yeowart.  During World War II, she served as a member of the British Women’s Land Army, and met and married her adoring husband Joseph Peter (deceased) while he was stationed as a U.S. soldier in England.  She was a war bride and arrived to the United States for the first time on the SS John Ericsson.  The couple made Lansing, Michigan their home where they owned and operated West Town Bar and Celentino’s Lounge for over 30 years.

Joe and Joyce were married for 66 wonderful years.  She is survived by their children: Patricia (Ronald T.) Farhat, Barbara Celentino, Joan (Michael) Moran, Susan (Bruce) Odell, Samuel (Amy) Celentino, Michael (Kavitha) Celentino, grandchildren: Christopher (Cherri) Farhat, Ronald (Tera) Farhat, Tracy (Todd) Kerrins, Lisa Gallinari, Nicholas and Morgan Odell, Anna and Samuel Celentino, Joseph, Michael, Matthew, and Christian Celentino, and nine great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are her sisters Dorothy “Dot” Potter and Eileen Clarke (Liverpool, England). She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Frederick, Eric, Phillip, Clare Campbell and son-in-law David Gallinari.

Joyce was an adoring wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother.  She was a devout Catholic and prayed the Rosary daily.  Joyce was a wonderful hostess and baker and could often be found making delicious banana bread and pies (with cookies & snickers in the freezer for the grandkids).  She loved to dance, laugh and shop and has filled her family with wonderful memories of her infectious spirit.  She enjoyed playing golf especially during her many happy years living in Jupiter, Florida.  Never forgetting her British roots, she enjoyed a piping hot cup of tea every day.  She will be greatly missed, but remembered fondly every day by her family.  She will always be our ‘Queen Mum.’

Special thanks to The Willows Legacy of East Lansing and to Sparrow Home Hospice for their exceptional care and support.

The celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 29, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, with the Rev. Fr. Mark Inglot as celebrant.  A luncheon will immediately follow. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 28th in the chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas from 6:30 p.m. until the time of the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. and on Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. Joyce will be laid to rest privately with family at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or Sparrow Home Hospice.   Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.EstesLeadley.com.

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16 Messages to “Joyce Yeowart Celentino

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Judi Camillo
September 25, 2014 at 7:22 am

My sympathy to the family.

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Jill Ripley Hughes
September 25, 2014 at 7:49 am

My thoughts are with the Celentino family. Joyce sounds like a wonderful, vibrant woman. Peace be with you all.

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Anonymous
September 25, 2014 at 9:12 am

Your mom’s pies every single Sunday while growing up with all of you made me smile. Fond memories on Kalamazoo Street of her. She was an inspiration on marriage, always beside your dad at home or at work. Mike & I will have you all in our prayers.

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Ann Jeskie
September 25, 2014 at 9:25 am

I am deeply moved by the loss of Joyce….may the peace of God which passeth all understanding be with the Celetino family.

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Ann Jeskie
September 25, 2014 at 9:29 am

Our parents can be together now in God’s glorious kingdom. Prayers.

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Mary Lee Caruso
September 25, 2014 at 9:41 am

I was deeply saddened by the news of Joyce’s passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.

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Richard & Marie Fata
September 25, 2014 at 10:15 am

We are truly saddened to read of Joyce’s passing. We will remember her vivacious personality and fun loving spirit.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time.

God Bless,

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Pamela Alford Artuso
September 25, 2014 at 10:18 am

May the wonderful memories of your Mother bring you peace & comfort at this time Sam. Thinking of you all–

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Mike and Debbie Baer Jarous
September 25, 2014 at 1:38 pm

Condolences to your entire family on the loss of your mother. Joyce (and Joe) were great westside neighbors; Joyce a sincere, and gracious woman. God’s’ blessings of peace to you all.

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Sue Thrun Drake
September 25, 2014 at 2:18 pm

To have lived a life so rich in love, vibrant in joy and leaving such a wonderful legacy in her children, is a life that shone on earth and will now shine from the heavens. Prayers to all family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

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Rochane Cotter (Donyla's Daughter)
September 25, 2014 at 5:05 pm

So sorry to hear about your mother, although I didn’t know her very long she was a sweet person with a big heart. My condolences to the family.

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Kathy McCort-Mayhall
September 25, 2014 at 11:38 pm

Aunt Joyce was such a Lady, also so up and cheerfull .. You are now with God and out of pain. I pray for your family, they must miss you so much.
Love you!
Kathy

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Lincoln Program Management Team
September 26, 2014 at 4:55 pm

To Mike and your family – we are so sorry for your loss and wish you peace during this time. Thinking of you with hugs and love,

Your Lincoln Program Management Family

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Mary Sanders
September 26, 2014 at 9:33 pm

My deepest sympathy to Sam and family. What an interesting and fulfilling life your mother had. I now know where you got the good looks. You are in my prayers, it is never easy to say goodbye.

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Suzanne Moore
September 28, 2014 at 7:18 pm

My deepest sympathy to you Sam & your family. I have fond memories of your Mother & Father. I know that she is in heaven with your father. May your cherished memories of your Mother bring you comfort & may knowing that she is in God’s loving embrace bring you peace.

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Karen McCumber
September 29, 2014 at 5:18 pm

Sam,

Sorry to hear of your Mum’s passing. Saying a prayer for her and your family.

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