Joy Elizabeth Vogel died peacefully at her home in Sandy, Oregon on Thursday, June 16, 2022.
Joy was born in Freeport, Illinois in 1975, joining two brothers. Two more siblings came along before the family moved to Sandy in 1982.
Growing up, Joy participated in many church activities including Sunday school, Awana and Youth group. A youth mission trip to Portugal was a defining moment in her life. Joy returned saying the most important word she learned was “obrigada” or “thank you” because everyone treated her with such kindness and warmth, even when she was a stranger. The belief that every person is made in the image of God and is loved by God remained at the center of Joy’s faith throughout her life.
In elementary school Joy volunteered with Silver Threads, a program that gave her the opportunity to play games and work on craft projects with residents at a local nursing home. Joy loved her time with Silver Threads and it inspired her to begin visiting seniors from her church, who often became friends and mentors.
In high school Joy could usually be found backstage at school plays, taking on the role of stage manager or props master for many productions. Joy graduated from Sandy Union High School in 1993 and worked in the service industry, where her friendly, outgoing personality made her a favorite with customers. Joy loved being with people and wanted a career where she could help others so she returned to school and received a Medical Assistant diploma from Concorde Career College. Joy worked in a variety of medical settings and her favorite part of the job was always the time spent with patients. She was able to connect her childhood interest in visiting with seniors and her professional passion for patient care when she began her career as an Activities director at assisted living and memory care facilities.
Celebrating each day and finding happiness in the simple things were hallmarks of Joy’s work with seniors. When training new staff or volunteers, Joy made it clear that every senior in her care would be treated with patience, respect and a friendly smile. The residents especially enjoyed the story writing workshops Joy facilitated, where they were encouraged to share their personal histories with loved ones.
Joy faced numerous health challenges throughout her life but each diagnosis strengthened her resolve to serve others with a loving and generous spirit. Even when she was hospitalized or receiving care herself, Joy organized thank you gifts for nurses and caregivers or birthday parties for fellow patients because she wanted every person she met to feel appreciated and valued.
Joy is survived by her parents Fred and Maryglenn Vogel of Sandy; her brothers Matt Vogel (Daina Jauntirāns) of Evanston, Ill.; Mike (Sara) Vogel of Portland; Jon (Monica) Vogel of Portland; and her sister Melody (Jason) Burton of Gresham. Joy was a beloved aunt to Zinta, Indra, Alex, Natalie, Julia, Hank and Herta, a title she cherished. "Aunt Joy" will be remembered for her laughter, generosity and how she made each of them feel special.
Friends are invited to a Celebration of Joy’s life at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 at New Hope (10603 SE Henderson Street, Portland).
In lieu of flowers, Joy’s family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/ Joy supported this non-profit throughout her life with the hope of finding a cure for the disease that impacted so many of the people she served through her work in elder care.