Joyce E. (Makin) Nevins

Joyce E. (Makin) Nevins, age 78, longtime resident of Merrimac, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024, to be reunited with her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Nevins.

Born in Lawrence, November 8, 1945, she was one of eight children of the late Herbert C. and Josephine (Smith) Makin. Joyce was a graduate of Lawrence High School, class of 1964.

Joyce was a wonderful mother and positive role model for her children and grandchildren. Full of energy, kindness, and love. She had a calling to be a caregiver to those around her. She was always willing to help those in need while befriending all who she assisted.

As a woman of great faith, she had been a communicant of the Holy Redeemer in Merrimac for countless years. She was one of the driving forces behind activities in the Church - from church suppers, fairs, and committees- and remained that force right to her end. She once said that she had the “keys to heaven”.

While raising an unruly son and obedient daughter, Joyce was committed to the idea of “being available for her family”; however, that did not quench her desire to seek employment as she held multiple jobs throughout her life.

Working for the town of Merrimac, Joyce was a school-crossing guard and police dispatcher. She was a lunchroom deputy at Helen R. Donaghue School, as well as a local distributor for the Haverhill Gazette newspaper.

As her children got older, she continued her working career as a driver for Central Wheelchair and MVRTA until she later retired. Prior to retiring, Joyce had always said that she would work for Sarah’s Place. True to her word, she started to work for them in December 2014 following her retirement from MVRTA. Joyce had a love for giving back and always wanted to help out where she could. She loved the staff as well as the clients and had countless fond memories of them all.

Joyce leaves behind her oldest son Eric Nevins of Washington State; her daughter Kristin and husband Eric Barbrick of Newton NH; her three grandchildren Ryan and Katelyn Shears, and Keith Barbrick; her four siblings: Herb Makin, Eleanor Seddon, Hap Makin, and Jerry Makin, along with several generations of nieces and nephews, extended family and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also predeceased by two sisters; Alice Boschetto and Doris Bourdelais; her brother, David Makin; three sister-in-laws: Jackie Makin, Jan Makin, and Judy Makin as well as Bob Seddon and Tony Boschetto.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, 4 Green Street, Merrimac, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. followed by a Graveside Service at Locust Grove Cemetery where Joyce will be laid to eternal rest with her beloved husband Bob. Arrangements were by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860.