Joyce Wells

Joyce Eileen Wells, age 86, of Historic New Castle, DE passed away at home on February 10, 2024. Joyce was also known as “The Book Fairy” of Colonial School District and The Price Toyota Reading Challenge Program in New Castle, DE. Joyce was the daughter of Charles and Mabyl Webb of Philadelphia, PA. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Charles and Scott Peterson. She is survived by one son, David Peterson and one daughter, Margot Wells (James Wells); her three grandsons, Michael Peterson (Trista), Charles Peterson (Nichole) and Wesley Hayward; and her three great-grandchildren Preston, Julia and Dillin Peterson. When Joyce was a young girl her parents moved to Media, PA where she commuted by train to Friends Select School in Philadelphia, PA. She became a lifelong fan of the Phillies, then called “The Whiz Kids”. Joyce graduated with the Cedar Crest College class of 1958 and later received a M.Ed at Wright State University in Dayton, OH. Joyce moved with her husband, Douglas Peterson and their four children to various states, including Massachusetts and Ohio during her husband’s career with General Electric. Joyce made friends all along the way that she kept for life. Once settled in Dayton, OH, Joyce began her teaching career again. In 1982, she moved to New Castle, DE to be closer to her parents. She taught at Holy Spirit Catholic School and in several schools within the Colonial SD in New Castle, DE. Upon retirement an outdoor garden bench was donated to the Historic New Castle, DE public library in honor of her years of service to education. Still very energetic, Joyce kept active in her community as a participant and a giver. She was a faithful and active member of Immanuel Church on the Green. She delivered meals on wheels, knit hats and made Christmas gift boxes for sailors and knit blankets and hats for premature still born babies at the hospital. Joyce was a voracious reader and enjoyed book discussions at the library. She traveled and kept journals of her trips. She enjoyed taking basket weaving and Italian cooking classes. She became a member of DE P.E.O. Chapter G, a philanthropic organization helping build women’s successful futures. All this, and she still had time for loving and giving to her beloved family, friends and pets. Joyce touched the lives of countless individuals with her warm heart and unwavering generosity. Her calendar was always filled with gatherings, where she delighted in the company of friends over lunches, and dinners, cherishing each moment shared. Once you met Joyce, you became one of her forever friends. She nurtured her relationships by frequent visits to friends both near and far, friendly telephone calls and written correspondence. Known for her cheerfulness and thoughtfulness, Joyce had a unique talent for making others feel special. She took joy in sending cards and writing special notes ensuring that her friends felt appreciated and loved. Her gratitude knew no bounds, as she even sent thank you cards for the cards she received. Teaching was Joyce’s passion. She often told stories of how she couldn’t believe she got paid for a job she loved so much! She even accidentally threw out her first paycheck (later that evening retrieved from the trash can at her school). Later in her career, Joyce became a reading specialist. She was a guiding light for her students and her fellow teachers, instilling in them a love for literature. Affectionately known as “The Book Fairy”, Joyce was recognized in shopping centers, even years later, as the enthusiastic teacher who delivered books with her fairy wings attached. Her students adored her for her patience, encouragement and passion for learning. I am sure we can all agree that on February 10, 2024, Joyce happily traded her wings for those an angel. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 11 AM-12 Noon at Immanuel Church on the Green, 50 Market St. New Castle, DE 19720 followed by a celebration of Joyce’s life at 12 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Immanuel Church on the Green. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Joyce Wells

May 22, 1937 - February 10, 2024

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