Cardiff, Joyce
Joyce Mary Cardiff born May 13, 1941 in San Jose to Tony Bruno and Jenny Mazzafarro. She attended James Lick High School and graduated in 1957 then attended Ohlone College in Fremont where she proudly learned sign language. She worked for the Dominican Sisters in Fremont for several years. Sister Mother Mary Virginia was a novice at the time and remembers Joyce as being happy, light on her feet, a free spirit, and always had a smile
Joyce married David L. Cardiff in March 1958. She raised five children and was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She had a vivacious personality and wonderful sense of humor and her laugh was contagious. She was born with a nurturing soul and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joyce loved poetry, and her favorite poem was “The Tree” by Joyce Keilmer. She honored all things God created. She was also very intelligent and read daily, keeping up with politics and newsworthy events, and very artistic with floral arrangements and design. She loved to sew, knit and crochet, and she loved fine art, antiquity and classic cars, including her 1965 Corvette.
Though her sons lived in the Bay Area, Sonora was her home for the past 35 years. Joyce’s memory will live on with all those who knew her.
Joyce M. Cardiff is Heavenly reunited with all those who preceded her in death: her husband David L Cardiff; son David Joseph Michele Cardiff; five sisters; three brothers; and her parents.
She is survived and will be missed by her sister, Laverne, of Jackson; daughter Sandra Marie Cardiff; sons and daughter-in-law, David Leon Cardiff and Denise Hermann, David Brian Cardiff and Sherry Kovack, and David Todd Cardiff; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
To honor her last wishes, please join family and friends at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, to celebrate Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 116 Bradford Ave., in Sonora. A celebration of life will follow in the church’s Parish Hall.
She will be laid to rest with her son, Joseph, and husband, David, at the Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos.
- Date of Death: 08/21/2022
- Age: 81
- Residence: Sonora, CA
- Celebration of Life: Saturday, October 8 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church 116 Bradford Ave. Sonora a Mass at 11am followed by the celebration of life
