PORTSMOUTH – Marie (Afthim) Lyons Hilton Joyce, 92, formerly of Eliot, ME, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2017, at The Edgewood Centre in Portsmouth.

Marie was born in Westbrook, ME, on May 11, 1924, the eldest of thirteen children born to William and Margaret (Pieneau) Afthim.

For many years, Marie worked as a spinner at both the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook, ME, and Jaggers Mill in Sanford, ME. She lived at High Pine in Wells, ME, for thirteen years before moving to Kittery and then Eliot, ME, where she was a communicant of St. Raphael Catholic Church.

Marie was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Henry A. Joyce Sr.; two daughters, Catherine and Janice; three brothers, William, Donald and Rudy; two sisters, Gloria and Jeanne, and granddaughter Elizabeth.

She is survived by her loving stepchildren, Alexandra M. Craig, MD, Henry A. Joyce Jr. and his wife Sandy, and Marnie J. Ruemenapp and her husband Dirk; sisters, Lorraine, Elaine, Joanne and Connie; brothers, Arthur, Phillip and Michael. Also surviving are six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Marie had many wonderful and dear friends, and in her passing she wanted to share these words: "May fortune be as generous with you as it has been with me, in giving me such wonderful friends. May God bless you all."

At Marie's request, services will be held privately.