Joan Joyce Obituary

Joan Joyce, a former member of the Women’s Golf Hall of Fame and head softball coach at Florida Atlantic University, died on March 27, 2022, at the age of 81.

Florida Atlantic University Athletics has confirmed the death of Joan Joyce, the head softball coach at FAU.

Joan was one of the pillars that FAU Athletics was built around. She was a legend in many ways, and her legacy at FAU and beyond is unrivalled.

As the head softball coach at FAU, she had a record of 1002-674-1. She guided FAU to 11 conference titles, 11 appearances in the NCAA postseason tournament, and eight conference Coach of the Year accolades.

Joyce’s biggest contribution was her ability to relate to and teach the sport she loved, which earned her 20 halls of fame inductions, All-America awards in numerous sports, and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Joan became softball coach at Florida Atlantic University after a record-breaking career as a softball player for the Raybestos Brackettes and the Orange Lionettes.

Cause of Death

Joan Joyce’s death struck the FAU community like a ton of bricks. However, little is known about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her family has also remained silent about her death and avoided speaking to the press. There is no information about the cause of her death.

Death Notice

Florida Atlantic University Athletics released a statement announcing her death, saying, “With great sadness, Florida Atlantic University Athletics announced the passing of FAU head softball coach, former head women’s golf coach, and multiple Hall of Fame member Joan Joyce at the age of 81.”

“The FAU family has suffered a terrible loss. Joan is a true sporting great and we are grateful for the 28 years she spent here as a role model for our student-athletes, exhibiting the best in personal and professional behaviour “FAU President John Kelly stated.

“Through the generations of young women, she inspired to play – and thrive in – softball and golf, Joan’s impact will live on at the university and across the country.”

Funeral

Her funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.

Family

Janis Joyce, her brother Joseph Joyce and his wife Virginia (Ginny), nieces Bridget Joyce Wright and husband Russ, and Meghan Joyce Bolesta and husband Michael, as well as two grand-nieces, Morgan and Brooke, and two grand-nephews, Joseph and Patrick, survive her.