Joyce Carolyn Kirkpatrick

Joyce Carolyn Kirkpatrick, 88, passed away April 19, 2024. She was born November 6, 1935 in Manchester, Michigan to the late Frank and Alma (Wiedman) Tirb. Joyce was a graduate of Michigan State University. She was an avid sports fan and a skilled water skier on the lakes of Michigan. She enjoyed fishing with her professional fishermen sons and spending time with her friends and family. She moved here to Lakewood Ranch,Florida 2 weeks ago from Virginia Beach. In addition to her parents, Joyce was predeceased by her brother Ray Tirb; and former husband Arch Bracher who served and sacrificed his life as an officer and pilot for the United States Air Force. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years Kenneth Kirkpatrick (also an Officer & Air Force Pilot); daughter Susan Wilson and her husband Greg; twin sons Arch Bracher and his wife Summer; and Pat Bracher and his wife Missy; grandchildren Arch Wilson and his wife Emily; John Wilson and his soon to be wife Rachel; Emily Bracher and Charlie Bracher. There will be a Celebration of Joyce’s Life service on July 13 at 3pm, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach. Memories and condolences may be left for the family online at www.MFHcares.com. Joyce’s “Children” Speak Through the author: Pat Bracher The world has lost a wonderful Lady. Mom was a devoted wife, and awesome mother , and a proud grandmother. She grew up in a small farming town in SE Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State, she set out to blazer her trail. She taught school in Northern Michigan at a school with mainly disadvantaged students. She lost her first husband to an Air Force accident 3 days before Christmas while 6 months pregnant with twins and caring for a 3-year-old daughter. This alone would have destroyed most people but not Mom. She was an incredibly strong Lady! 2 years later she married Dad who was Alfa Romero driving bachelor pilot who became a Volkswagen bug driving father of 3. You might say " what was he thinking". He was thinking she was worth it- and she was. Mom held down the fort while Dad was in Vietnam and Iran and through out his 29 year Air force career. She was an influential leader of the Air force and Navy Wives groups in Tidewater Virginia. She entertained 4-star Generals and they dined with the Leaders of the Pentagon many of whom she was on a first name basis with. Mom was a great and diverse cook. She could cook Michigan country or uptown elegant and she loved to entertain. Most of all Mom was a Great Mother. We were far from perfect kids but with parents that do so much for you we sure tried to be.. She would happily leave her comfort zone to follow her kids anywhere. She threw herself into the world of equestrian horseback riding while Susan traveled throughout Virginia competing (successfully) in horse shows. She made it a point to meet and become friends with the people her children were interacting with and for Arch and I that would be in the fishing world. From Bill Evans at the Crystal Beach Pier and Ann Willis at the Frisco Pier, Mom developed relationships while taking us fishing. I'm sure there was a sad empty void when we got our drivers licenses and took off on our own. Mom was also a proud Grandmother and they could do no wrong in her eyes. Sadly, Mom's last 10 years were hard as she bravely battled Dementia. It's so hard to watch so a Bright Light slowly goes dim. Thanks Mom! We are who we are today because of you and Dad! We Love You Mom!