Nancy (Lanier) Joyal was born on June 24, 1951 to John and Evelyn (Talbot) Lanier in Springfield. She grew up in the Pine Point neighborhood in Springfield and attended Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school and Church. 

Nancy graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield in 1969 and went on to attend Springfield Technical Community College, graduating in 1971 and going back for a second degree in 1980. 

Nancy met Denis Joyal in 1971 and they were married in April of 1973. At the time she worked as a legal secretary at Mass Mutual but then worked as a transcriber for various local court reporting agencies for 15 years from home, while raising her children. While working from home, she became engaged in crafting, producing over 100 items for family and friends to celebrate special moments, of cross stitch, embroidery and crocheting. 

The family moved to West Springfield in 1988 and have lived there ever since. Eventually she went to work for McLaughlin Paper Co. in West Springfield in 1996 and retired from there in 2014. Nancy and Denis were able to enjoy many years of travelling, spending time with family (especially annual sibling reunions) and with friends, going to concerts and the Majestic Theater. She was so happy when spending time with family and volunteering in every school in Springfield that her children attended, and then later in the West Springfield schools. Participating in March of Dimes fundraisers for years with family was also a very meaningful experience. However, the greatest joy was watching their children and grandchildren play sports and accomplish so much in their lives! 

Nancy leaves behind her beloved husband of 53 years; daughter Cynthia Walder and her husband Brian; son Paul and his wife Elizabeth. Memere will be remembered fondly by granddaughter Alaina Walder; grandsons Aaron, Brady and Brett Walder; Jahviel Rosario and Anzel Guzman Vila; brothers William (Adele), Richard (Diane), Michael (Linda), Robert (Deena) and Kenneth (Idy). Nancy also leaves behind many kind and supportive friends. She will also be remembered by numerous first cousins, 24 nieces and nephews, 46 great nieces and nephews, and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5-7pm on October 14 at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 on October 15 at St. Thomas Church followed by Committal at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Nancy’s name to Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield St, West Springfield, MA 01089.