Joyce Lucille Jernberg

Joyce L. Jernberg, age 93, of Bellingham passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Joy lived each of her days with deep love for her husband, Ken, her immediate and extended family, her friends, and undergirding all – her love of the Lord Jesus.

Joy was born May 19, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN as one of 8 children. Life was challenging during the depression years, and Joy learned how to work hard, and also to make celebrations out of simple things in life – singing while washing dishes, or spending time with her brothers and sisters.

On December 19, 1953, she married Ken and together they shared 67 wonderful years of life. During their years together, they welcomed three children, grandchildren, and many, many guests along the way. Their home of “Geneva at Lake Whatcom” became a welcome spot for gatherings: waterskiing, college group baptisms, evenings in the picnic house, book club, bible studies and even tea parties! Through it all, Joy was busy making a place for welcoming people. Busy, but always with time for listening and care.

Joy shared her spunkiness and enthusiasm with frequent “Danish” expressions: “Pyut!” “Mange tussen tak!” and “Tak ska du ha/Jus ska du bli!” all of which are repeated to this day by extended family! As well, Joy shared yearly traditions like Christmas Danish Apple Cake.

Ken and Joy enjoyed many travels together, from winter ski trips and sailing in the San Juans, to visiting Britain, Europe, Taiwan, Israel, and Greece. They supported organizations that they believed in: Prison Ministry, Lighthouse Mission, World Vision, and retreat centers like The Firs and Ingalls Creek. They were involved in the life and ministry of churches in Bellingham: Geneva Community, Birchwood, and First Presbyterian.

As Parkinson’s began to take hold in Joy’s later years, one of her favorite verses (among the many that she had committed to memory) was Romans 8: 35, 37-39 “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? …No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor demons, neither present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all of creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Joyce’s loved ones include: her Husband Ken, Children: Tim (Elizabeth), Brad (Heidi), Susan (Doug), and Grandchildren: Andrew, Abby, Ben, Melanie, Peter, Lina, Katie, Anna and Laura.

A family graveside service is pending at Bayview Cemetery, and friends are encouraged to send cards with memories of Joy to the family home or share online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com A celebration/commemoration of Joy’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

We are grateful for the love and support of the Deacons of First Presbyterian Church, Caregivers of Circle of Life and Eden homecare, and Hospice of Whatcom County. Memorial gifts may be made to any of the charities listed above.