Family of William Berdette Monroe (109) & Caroline Holdbrook Simons

212. Cora May Monroe. Born on 16 May 1867 at Bennington Station, Shiawassee Co., MI. Cora May died at Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI, on 5 Jan 1951. Buried on 8 Jan 1951 in Woodlawn Cem., Grand Rapids. Arrangements by Alt. Religion: Catholic.

Civil War Pension documents of 28 September 1891 indicate Cora is living at, "No. 16 Nye St., Grand Rapids."

OBITUARY - Grand Rapids Press, 6 January 1951

JOYCE --- Funeral mass for Mrs. Cora M. Joyce, widow of Edward J. Joyce of 58 Carlton Ave., SE., wil be Monday morning at 11 o'clock in St. Andrew's cathedral. Interment Woodlawn cemetery. Mrs. Joyce reposes at her residence where members of the Altar society and friends will recite the Rosary Sunday evening at 8 o'clock. Arrangements by Alt.

Obituary:
      Cora M. Joyce, Choir Member, Dies; Was 83
      Mrs. Cora M. Joyce died Thursday at the home her daughter, Mrs. Aileen Hills of 55 Carlton Ave., SE. She was 83, and the widow of Edward J. Joyce who died in 1942.
      A native of Bennington, Mrs. Joyce lived here since she was 18. She was many years a member of the choir of St. Andrew's Cathedral and belonged to the Cathedral Altar Society, and the Altar Society of the St. Thomas Church, and to the Cathedral Daughters of America.
      Mrs. Joyce was active in charitable organizations.
      In addition to Mrs. Hills, she is survived byb four other daughters, Mrs. Joseph Potchen, Mrs. J. C. Zant and Mrs. Leonard F. Howe all of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Edward T. Hannan of Muskegon Heights, 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
      Services will be Monday at 11 a. m. from St. Andrew's Cathedral, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Obituary, Grand Rapids Herald, 6 Jan 1951:
      JOYCE — Mrs. Cora M. Joyce, aged 83, widow of Edward J. Joyce, passed away Thursday afternoon at her home, 55 Carlton Ave., SE. She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Eileen Joyce Hills, Mrs. Leonard F. Howe, Mrs. Joseph A. Potchen, and Mrs. J. Condon Zant, all of Grand Rapids and Mrs. Edward T. Hannon of Muskegon Heights; twenty-two grandchildren and thirteen greatgrandchildren. Funeral Mass will be Monday morning at 11 o'clock in St. Andrew's Catedral. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Joyce3 reposes at her residence, where members of the Altar Society and friends will recite the Rosary Sunday evening at 8 o'clock. Arrangements by Alt.

On 25 Apr 1888 Cora May married Edward James Joyce, son of Austin M. Joyce (ca 1825-1872) & Bridget Toote (1824-26 Sep 1912), at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Grand Rapids, MI. Born on 3 Jan 1866 at Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI. Edward James died at Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI, on 3 Dec 1942. Buried on 7 Dec 1942 in Woodlawn Cem., Grand Rapids. Occupation: furniture worker.

Kent County marriage licenses indicate Edward and Cora were married on April 26, 1888. Both live in Grand Rapids and are 22. His father is Austin Joyce and his mother is unknown. Her parents are Berdette Monrow and Caroline Simons. She was born in Bennington, MI and he in Grand Rapids. He is a clerk, she is not employed. They are married at St. Andrews Cathedral in Grand Rapids by Thomas L. Whalen, Asst. priest. Edward Eajan and Celia Fitzgerald are witnesses. Both live in Grand Rapids.
A picture of Edward J. and Cora on an invitation shaped like a bell indicates the commemoration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1938. They were married in 1888.

1910 Census, Kent County Michigan:
      Edward Joyce, head of family, 43, b. MI.
      Cora Joyce, wife, 42, b. MI.
      Herald Joyce, son, 20, b. MI.
      Madeline Joyce, daughter, 18, b. MI.
      Aileen Joyce, daughter, 16, b. MI.
      Beulah Joyce, daughter, 12, b. MI.
      Elleanor Joyce, daughter, 10, b. CO.
      Gaylord Joyce, son, 7, b. MI.
      Bernice Joyce, daughter, 5, b. MI.
      Helen Joyce, b. MI.
      Bridget Joyce, 78, b. Ireland.

Grand Rapids Herald, Aug 4, 1940.
RETIRES AFTER 57 YEARS; NOW 'WHAT TO DO' PUZZLES
Edward J. Joyce Goes into Second Day of a Permanent Vacation from Factory

      Every morning for 57 years -- barring layoffs -- Edward J. Joyce of 120 Cherry St., SE has gone to work for the William A. Berkey Furniture company. Fifty seven years, winter and summer, cold weather and hot, he's been at work for the one firm and since 1886 on the same job, a sanding machine.
      That's long enough for any man, so on Friday, Mr. Joyce went to work for the last time, and today he is well into the second day of retirement and wondering what to do with his time.
      Mrs. Joyce has a few ideas, such as running a vacuum cleaner and drying dishes, but whether that will fill the time of a man who has always been a hard worker remains to be seen.
      Plant on Hotel Site
      The William A. Berkey company was located on the site of the Pantlind Hotel when Mr. Joyce went there to work as a furniture salesman. The firm sold furniture then as well as made it. Mr. Joyce was born here 78 years ago, son of Mr. and Mrs. Austin Joyce who built the first house in the Ellsworth division at what was then 37 Goodrich St., SE.
      A short time after Mr. Joyce started work, Berkey's was moved to 71 Camal St. NW, a bit further north, and then in 1885 came the move to the present location, 55 Market Ave., NW.
      In 1888, Mr Joyce married Miss Cora Monroe in St. Andrew's cathedral. Mrs. Joyce is a native of Bennington, MI., but had come in 1886 to live in Grand Rapids. They celebrated their golden wedding on April 25, 1938, by renewing their vows in the cathedral, in which Mr. Joyce had been "brought up."
      Five of their nine children are still living, and, although money has never been plentiful in the Joyce home, all had high school educations, two finished college and one had two or three years college training.
      The five daughters, all of whom live in or near Grand Rapids, are Mrs. Aileen Joyce Hills, who live with her parents at 120 Cheery St. SE,; Mrs. Leonard F. Howe, 111 Carleton Ave., SE; Mrs. Joseph A. Potchen, 1145 Edison Road NW; Mrs. Edward T. Hannon, 828 Prospect Ave., SE, and Mrs J. Condon Zant, 211 Leonard St. NW. There are also 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
      Mr. Joyce is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Modern Woodmen and of Holy Name Society.

—————
Aticle from a Grand Rapids Press, 23 Apr 1938:
      Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Joyce to Celebrate Anniversary
      Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Joyce of Cherry st. will hold open house on Saturday afternoon in honor of their fiftieth wedding anniversary. They will renew their vows at 9 o'clock mass in St. Andrew's Cathedral with Msgr. D. E. Malone officiating.
      Leonard F. Howe, violinist, will furnish music and will be accompanied at the organ by Eugene J. Phillips. Vocal selections will be sung by Mrs. Harry Burgess, granddaughter, and Mrs. Claton Packard. The late Rev. Thomas Whalen officiated at the ceremony in the same church 50 years ago.
      Following mass, breakfast will be served in Owen manor for the family and relatives.
      Mrs. Joyce, the former Cora Monroe, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William burdette Monroe, was born at Bennington Station in 1867 and came to Grand Rapids at the age of 18 years. Mr Joyce was born on the site of the present St. Mary's church in 1868. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Austin Joyce, who were one of the first families to settle on the old plot on Goodrich st. Mr. Joyce has been employed for 55 years by the William A. Berkey Furniture company.
      the couple has nine children, five of whom are living. They ar Mrs. Aileen Hills, Mrs. Leonard F. Howe, Mrs. Joseph A. Potchen, and Mrs. J. Condon Zant5 of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Edward T. Hannon of Ludington. There are eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
      Mr. and Mrs. Loren Cady of Lafayette av. entertained at an Easter dinner, honoring their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joyce. Places were laid for seven guests.

OBITUARY: Dec 4, 1942 Grand Rapids Herald
FORMER BERKEY EMPLOYEE FOR 55 YEARS PASSES

      Edward J. Joyce, 78, lifelong resident of of Grand Rapids and until his retirement three years ago an employee of the William A. Berkey Furniture company for 55 years, died at his home, 120 Cherry, Thursday, after a long illness.
      Mr. and Mrs. Joyce celebrated their golden wedding anniversary three years ago, renewing their vows in St. Andrew's cathedral, where they were married. Mr. Joyce was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name society of St. Andrew's cathedral and the Modern Woodman lodge.
      Besides his widow, Cora, he is survived by his daughters, Mrs. Neil DeSmit, Mrs. Aileen Hills, Mrs. Leonard F. Howe, Mrs. Joseph A. Potchen, Mrs. Edward T. Hannon and Mrs. J. Condon Zant; 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
      Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew's cathedral, with burial in Woodlawn cemetary.

Obituary, Grand Rapids Press:
      Edward J. Joyce, 78, lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, died at his home, 120 Cherry-st., S. E., Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. Until his retiement three [photo inserted] years ago he had been an employe of the William A. Berkey Furniture Co. 55 years. He and Mrs. Joyce celebrated their golden wedding anniversary three years ago. They renewed their vows at St. Andrew's cathedral, where they wer originally married.
      Mr. Joyce was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name society of of St. Andrew's cathedral and the Modern Woodman lodge.
      Besides his widow, Cora, he is survived by six daughters: Mrs. Neil De Smit, Mrs. Aileen Hills, Mrs. Leonard F. How, Mrs. Joseph A. Potchen, Mrs. Edward T. Hannnon and Mrs. J. Condan Zant, seventeen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
      The body is at the residence.

Their children include:
243 i. Harold Edward (1889-1920)
244 ii. Madlyn (ca1892-1925)
245 iii. Adeline Edith (1894-1986)
246 iv. Beulah Marie (1897-1985)
247 v. Eleanore Lorraine (1899-1996)
248 vi. Gaylord Theodore (1902-1917)
249 vii. Helen L. (1909-1993)
250 viii. Berneice

213. Matilda (Della) Monroe. Born on 10 Jun 1872 at Bennington Township, Shiawassee County, MI. Matilda (Della) died at Bennington Township, Shiawassee County, MI, on 29 Aug 1879. Typhoid fever. Buried in Alton Cemetery, Bennington Twp.

Genealogical Death Indexing System from the State of Michigan lists Matilda Monroe dying of typhoid fever, in Bennington Township, Shiawassee County, on 29 August 1879. She was eight years and three months old, and was born in Michigan. Her father was Bedetta Monroe and her mother Carrie Monroe. Her father's residence is Ohio and her mother's Michigan (it is unclear if this is residence or birthplace.)

Shiawassee County, Michigan Cemetery and Death Records, compliled by Mrs. Frances Hazelton, Vernon, Michigan, 1983, lists Delia Monroe dying 29 August 1878. She was eight years and three months old. Her parents were Bedette and Carrie.

214. Mytie A. Monroe. Born ca 1873.

Civil War Pension request for minor child Lewis N. Monroe, 21 September 1891, has statements by Myrtie and Cora. Mytie is 18 years old and living at 200 Mt. Vernon, Grand Rapids.

215. Lewis Norman Monroe. Born on 4 Nov 1878 at Bennnington, Shiawassee County, MI. Lewis Norman died at Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, on 26 Mar 1946. Buried on 29 Mar 1946 in Fairplains Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI. Coloniel Funeral Home.

Civil War Pension Record 21 January 1891 provides a statement regarding Lewis's birth. Dr. William C. Hume of Corunna, Michigan states, "He well knows Lewis N. Monroe the child of William b. Monroe who was a member of Co. E in the 14 Regiment of the Michigan Infantry Volunteers, and his wife Carrie Monroe and deponent knows that said child Lewis N. Monroe was born at the residence of his parents in the Village of Bennington, County of Shiawassee and State of Michigan on or about the 4th day of Novemeber A. D. 1878, deponent was present at the time acting as attending physician at the birth of said child."

Marriage Record, Book 15, page 221, number 4845 Kent County, Michigan. Louis Norman Monroe is aged 30, born in Bennington, Michigan, a resident of Grand Rapids, an engineer, and has been married once before. On 21 October 1909 he marries Iva May Barnes who is 20, has never been married, was born and resides in Wayland, Michigan, and has no occupation. His parents are Burdette Monroe and Carrie Simons, and hers are George Barnes and May Richards. W. I. Coburn, Minister of the Gospel, marries them with Harold Joyce and Madlyn Joyce as witnesses.

Death Record, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan states that Louis Norman Monroe died 26 March 1946 at Butterworth Hospital. He was divorced and living with his sister, Mrs. Edward Joyce, at 120 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids. He was born in Michigan on 4 November 1878 and his parents were Burdette Monroe, born in Ohio, and Carrie Simon, born in New York. His occupation was as the propriator of the South Bend Salvage Company.
      He had had congestive heart failure for two years and cardiac asthma contributed to his death. The attending physician was Frank Adams, M.D., 526 Leonard Street NW. Arrangements were made by the Colonial Funeral Home and he was buried at Fairplains Cemetery on 29 March 1946.

OBITUARY - Grand Rapids Press, 28 March 1946
MONROE - Louis Norman Monroe, aged 67 of 120 Cherry St., S.E., passed away Tuesday evening. He is survived by one son, Burdette, and grand daughter, Bonnie, of South Bend, Indiana; one sister, Mrs. Edward Joyce of Grand Rapids, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Monroe reposes at the home of this sister, Mrs. Joyce, 120 Cherry St. S. E., where funeral services will be held Friday morning at 9:30 and at St. Andrews Cathedral at 10:00. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Members of the Holy Name Society and friends will recite the Rosary Thursday evening at 8 o'clock at the residence. Arrangements by Colonial Funeral Home.

On 21 Oct 1909 Lewis Norman married Iva May Barnes, daughter of George Barnes & May Richards, at Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI. Born ca 1889 at Wayland, Allegan County, MI.

Their children include:
251 i. Burdette Norman (1916-1996)

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Bobbi Schirado and Dave Pane-Joyce
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/gen/ohio/
June 2005