Joyce Louise Gauntt

Joyce Louise Gauntt, a beloved sister, aunt, friend, and floral artist, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in Edmonds, Washington. She was 89.

Born on April 17, 1936, in Juneau, Alaska, Joyce spent most of her early life in Ballard, Washington. A proud graduate of Ballard High School, class of 1954, Joyce’s roots in the Pacific Northwest shaped her lifelong connection to flowers, faith, and community.

From a young age, Joyce had a passion for flowers. At just 13, she was already transplanting and arranging blooms for 75 cents an hour — the beginning of a career and calling that would span decades. Her artistry and love for florals blossomed into a lifetime of teaching, designing, and inspiring others. She worked for a total of 42 years at Swansons Nursery in Ballard, where she was known and loved by countless customers and colleagues.

Joyce and her husband Joe spent a cherished part of their life together on a five-acre farm in Monroe, Washington — a slice of paradise filled with gardens, vegetables, animals, and the vibrant creations of Joyce’s hands and heart. There, she built a small business and a wide circle of dear friends, sharing her gifts with people from all around.

Later in life, Joyce met Dick Medina, and they shared many wonderful times together. Their companionship brought joy, comfort, and laughter in their later years. Joyce often spoke of the special bond they shared and the happiness they found in one another.

The love of flowers came from her father, Ed, and her deep and enduring faith from her mother, Helen. Joyce carried both of these legacies with joy, always eager to share them with those around her.

She loved nothing more than gathering with friends and family for holidays and birthdays, always making sure everyone felt remembered and loved. Her generosity, warmth, and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Joyce is survived by her sister Phyllis Lindsey and brother-in-law John Lindsey; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by the children and grandchildren of her late husbands — Joseph Jr., Judy, and their families from Joe Gauntt’s side, and Dick Medina’s children and grandchildren — all of whom she loved deeply and considered family.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Joseph Gauntt and Dick Medina.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Mike and Inger Abdo and Barbara Taylor for their unwavering love and care, and to the staff at Cogir for providing a warm, supportive home in Joyce’s final years — especially to her nurse Sabrina, who gently guided her through many difficult days with kindness and patience.

A private burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s memory to the National Nordic Museum, a place that celebrates the heritage of the region Joyce called home.

We will all miss her dearly, but her love, faith, and the beauty she brought into the world will continue to bloom in our hearts.