Joyce Lynn Buckland

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joyce “Joy” Buckland on the morning of March 9, 2025. Joy departed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on December 22, 1962, to John and Mary Brunetti, Joy was a proud Colorado native with deep family roots in the state. She graduated from Green Mountain High School in 1981. She welcomed her only child Erica into the world and took great pride in her. Being a mother was a role that Joy cherished above all else. In 1995, Joy married John Buckland. Though they later divorced, they remained close friends and co-parents to Erica.

Joy completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. A passionate educator, Joy spent nearly 15 years as a college instructor, specializing in Colorado and American history. She was deeply devoted to her students and their success. Her goal in the classroom was to “make history come alive” and she did just that for hundreds of students over the years.

Joy was an avid reader, a devoted cat lover, and an enthusiastic explorer of historical sites. She always had a feline companion by her side and volunteered for a local animal shelter. She found enjoyment in road trips, especially those leading to wagon ruts and other relics of Colorado’s rich past.

She now joins her parents, grandparents, and many beloved cats in heaven. She is survived by her daughter Erica, son-in-law Nick, her cherished cat Alice Ruby, and countless dear friends who were like family.

We will remember Joy for her loving spirit, kindness, and cheerfulness. A graveside service will be a 11:00am and reception to celebrate her memory will take place on March 13, 2025 at the Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park at 12:00pm.

To honor Joy’s love for animals, please consider a donation in her memory to a local cat shelter. Suggested organizations include Angels with Paws, Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, Wild Blue Cats, and the Wild Animal Sanctuary.

She was a light in the lives of many, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.