Joyce F. Tebbetts (Ruggiero), born February 3, 1943, age 82, passed away unexpectedly after a period of illness on Monday, January 12th. She was formerly of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and grew up in Boston. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard “Dick” Tebbetts; her father, Joseph Ruggiero; her mother, Helen Dunlap Ruggiero; and her sister, June Ruggiero.

Joyce was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Family was at the center of her life, and she took great pride in the generations she helped nurture.

She is survived by her son, Richard Mailly (Erin), and her daughter, Michelle Milne (Scott); her granddaughter, Carolyn Dorchester (Chris), and grandson, Maxwell Milne; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Clara June Dorchester. She is also survived by her sisters, Marilyn O’Donnell and Deborah Mastrocola (Robert); many nieces; and her cherished grand dog, Mu, who brought her comfort and joy.

Joyce spent many years working in admissions at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth, formerly Jordan Hospital, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and care for others. She valued hard work, responsibility, and doing things the right way. She also had a quiet generosity and believed deeply in helping others with dignity, especially those who had less.

Those who knew Joyce will remember her steadfast love of family, her compassion for others, and the unwavering presence she brought to the lives of those she loved.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, at St. Joseph Church, 272 Main Street, Kingston, MA. There will be no wake. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association HERE