Obituary of Joyce Nelson

Mary Joyce Nelson Sanidad (Joyce Nelson)

January 5, 1970 - January 31, 2023

Joyce Nelson, 53, of Wesley Chapel Florida, unexpectedly passed away on January 31, 2023. A native of Montreal, Canada, her life, and career spanned several corners of the globe, making home the last 16 years in Tampa/Wesley Chapel.

She is survived by her husband, Marshall, son Ethan, parents Lynda and Romy, mother-in-law Hazel, sister-in-law Marnel, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, two beloved Bernedoodles, Kayla and Kona and countless extended family members and friends.

Joyce was a highly successful HR healthcare executive, having received countless professional accolades and achievements throughout her more than 25-year career. She was most recently in the position of Chief Administrative Officer of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute and, prior to that, Associate Vice President, Human Resources & Wellness at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) Tampa. She received a bachelor’s degree in arts from Ryerson University in Toronto and a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University in Florida. A 2022 Tampa Bay Business Journal Businesswoman of the Year honoree, Joyce provided guidance to young women, a testament to her passion for leadership. She was quoted as saying, “Life is a journey, so be open to opportunities. Be true to yourself and define what success means to you – set clear goals. Be authentic, compassionate, intentional, and respectful in all interactions.”

A mother, wife, daughter, aunt, niece, friend, mentor, and colleague, Joyce bore many titles. She had a unique gift in her ability to bring large and diverse groups of people together to achieve common goals and objectives and was often described as a “builder” and “fixer,” finding solutions to complex situations.

By far, her favorite job titles were that of mom to Ethan and wife to Marshall. She took great pride in cheering Ethan on and watching him flourish in school and as a growing tennis athlete. Joyce cherished her time with her family, walking, hiking, relaxing with the love of her life Marshall, traveling the world, and cooking together.

She impacted the lives of many and will be missed and remembered by all.

A private, family service is being held in Tampa. Visitation for family and friends will take place at Centre Funéraire Côte-des-Neiges, 4525 Cote des Nieges, Montreal, Quebec February 12 from 2-9 p.m. and funeral mass on February 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Kevin Church in Montreal.

Local funeral arrangements are being handled by Loyless Funeral Homes in Land O’ Lakes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s name to the American Heart Association or to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (3607 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607).