Joyce M. Nelson, 79, resident of Milford, died on Jan. 18 at Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, after a brief illness.

She was born on March 20, 1944, in Leominster, Mass., a daughter of the late Paul and Irene (Bergeron) Hurtubise.

Joyce was raised and educated in Leominster and graduated from St. Bernard’s High School. Joyce was a longtime resident of Wilton, where she raised her children, had many wonderful friendships and was part of the former Nelson Funeral Home.

One of her greatest life passions was tap dancing. Dancing at an early age, she was an instructor at Jerry Dance studio and eventually had her own studio in Wilton. She was a lifetime member of Hampshire Hills, ski instructor at Temple Mountain, Macy’s sales associate for many years, and a volunteer at Milford’s Share Program. In her recent years, she enjoyed activities with other senior citizens such as playing bingo with the residents at Granite Square. She most especially loved spending time with her family.

Joyce was a lifelong Roman Catholic. While living in Wilton, she attended Sacred Heart Church. She later became a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church, Milford, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Paul Hurtubise, Jr.

Family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Kurt Stieper of Bedford; two sons and daughters-in-law, Darrin and Margie Nelson of Hillsborough, N.J., and Daniel and Pam Nelson of Wilton; six grandchildren, Kate Lefebvre and her husband Ryan, Erica Stieper, Benjamin Nelson, Jared Nelson, Alexander Nelson and Aurie Nelson.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, 4-6 p.m., in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial will be private in St. Cecilia Cemetery, Leominster, Mass. Donations in her memory may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-9959.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.smith-heald.com for more information.