Joyce Dianne VanMatre

Joyce Dianne VanMatre, went to her eternal home on July 4,2026, in Riverview,Florida, at the age of 83.

She was born on June 1,1943, in Brooklyn, New York, and carried with her throughout her life the strength, warmth and determination that would come to define her. Joyce lived a life marked by devotion to her family, compassion for others and a steady commitment to caring for those in need. She was a loving, caring and generous woman whose presence brought comfort and kindness to all who knew her.

Joyce was the daughter of the late Gerard Thibault and the late Helene Wright. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Richard VanMatre, whose memory remained an important part of her life. She is survived by her children, Kim Palsis and her husband Glenn, Karyn Sutherland and her husband Sam, and Rick VanMatre and his wife Lisa. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Wolfe and her husband Burt, along with nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of whom brought her great pride and joy.

Joyce devoted much of her professional life to nursing, where she served with care and dedication as a Registered Nurse. After graduating from Gordon Keller School of Nursing, she started her career at Tampa General Hospital in obstetrics. Later, she worked at Brandon Community Hospital when it opened in 1977. Eventually, she found her true passion and niche working in Workers Compensation Case Management. Her work reflected her generous spirit and her desire to help others during times of need. She was highly respected not only for her professionalism but also for the kindness and dignity she brought to every role she held.

Outside of her career, Joyce found joy in the simple and meaningful things that made life rich. She enjoyed sewing, crochet and loved her times at the beach. She was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church of Plant City, where her faith and fellowship were an important part of her life. Her church community, like her family and friends, knew her as someone who was thoughtful, caring and sincere.

Those who knew Joyce will remember her for the love she gave so freely, the generosity she showed without hesitation, and the amazing life she lived with grace and purpose. She has a way of making others feel valued and cared for, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched through her family, her work and her friendships.

The family would like to thank Twin Creeks Memory Care and LifePath Hospice (Azalea Team) for their kind and compassionate care in her final years. In lieu of flowers the family recommends donations to Hope Mortgage Fund, Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, or LifePath Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held on July 18,2026 at 11:00am at Hope Lutheran Church of Plant City, 2001 North Park Road, Plant City, Fl. 33563.

Online condolences can be made at http://www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300