Joyce J. Chatfield

Joyce J. Chatfield, 79, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, January 17, 2021. She was born on October 27, 1941 in Rockford, IL. Joyce grew up in Loves Park, IL. She attended St. Bridget’s Catholic School and went to Harlem High School where she became a force to be reckoned with as a Point Guard on the Girl’s Basketball Team. Joyce married and became a homemaker and stay at home mom until her children began attending school. Joyce loved horses and as a young mom she competed in Barrel Racing at Horse Shows with her husband and kids cheering her on in the stands. Later in life she completed her GED and obtained a CNA and worked in several local nursing homes in and around the Rockford area. Joyce loved her family and she loved her dog, Bella, who she rescued from Noah’s Ark in 2011. Joyce loved to celebrate holidays, especially Christmas and she’ll be remembered for her amazing homemade cookies and candy which she loved sharing with everyone. Most of all, Joyce loved to be around people. She loved to laugh and to make others laugh and she’d never pass up the opportunity for a good one liner or a brilliantly planned prank. Her quick wit and bright smile made her an adored favorite to many of the staff at Grand Regency and Northern Illinois Hospice. Because of her down to earth demeanor, Joyce had the ability to make fast friends, but she’d just as quickly become an adversary to fiercely defend her family and friends. She will forever be in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her.
Survived by her children, Lisa (John Kachelmuss) Chatfield and Robert (Tracey) Chatfield; grandchildren, Amy Chatfield, Randi Chatfield, Nick Chatfield; great grandson, Ivan Fajardo; and beloved dog, Bella. Predeceased by her parents; brothers, Charles Mitchell and John Mitchell; sister, Lorraine Jones. The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice and the staff at Grand Regency for their care and compassion.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites accorded with Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Joyce’s name to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary Inc., 111 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107.