Joyce Ann Heil

Joyce Ann Heil, age 77, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, just two days shy of her 78th birthday. Born on January 18, 1948, Joyce lived a life marked by deep faith, radical love, and an open door to anyone in need.

Joyce has passed away, finding peace in the arms of her Savior and reuniting with her cherished husband, Michael (Papa) Heil; her parents, Jonas and Lily Halonen; her sister, Joann Arlene Miller; and many others she held dear. She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Jonas Halonen; her partner, Thomas Kolinski, with whom she was blessed to share a beautiful second love; and the myriad of children and grandchildren.

Joyce did not live a traditional life nor would she have wanted one. Together, Joyce and Mike opened their home and hearts as foster and adoptive parents to more than 50 children, offering safety, stability, and unconditional love to those who needed it most. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched through that calling.

Joyce loved Jesus deeply and lived her faith out loud. She never met a stranger and was quick to make friends wherever she went. Outspoken, warm, and full of life, she had a way of making people feel seen and welcomed. Joyce poured love into everything she did, whether nurturing her children, grandchildren, and pets, creating something beautiful, or tending to something growing.

In her final days, Joyce remained in high spirits, anchored by her strong faith and confident hope in what awaited her.

Joyce Ann Heil will be remembered as a faithful servant, a fierce and loving mother, a devoted wife, and a woman whose life reflected grace, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her love continues to ripple outward through the countless lives she changed forever.

A green burial service was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10am at The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery, located at 4401 Nelsey Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48329.