Obituary of Eleanor Joyce Sorensen

Eleanor “Joyce” Sorensen, 95, of Caldwell, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2023, surrounded by family. Joyce was born on May 13, 1928 in Anacortes, WA, to John and Eleanor Nevill. Joyce graduated High School in May, 1948 and met her lifelong love in June the same year.

On October 17, 1949, Joyce married Elmer “Clair” Sorensen. They had three children: Sharon, Gary, and Dale. In the summer of 2018, Joyce moved to Caldwell, ID to live with her daughter. She had been battling congestive heart disease for several years, and after a brief hospital stay, went home and passed away peacefully in her sleep.

In Joyce’s life, nothing was more important than family. She enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, sewing, candle making, knitting, crocheting, puzzles, and genealogy. She was a world-class rug-hooker (Clair fondly caller her his “North End Hooker”). Her rugs and wall hangings won awards and adorn her children’s homes. Clair worked with wood and crafted beautiful, unique pieces she would cover with her rug hooked creations. She would dye and cut wool herself to achieve the brilliant colors she wanted for her work.

Joyce is preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, and husband. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Sharon (Randy), Gary (Deanna), and Dale (Bev); eight grandchildren and their spouses, and twelve great-grandchildren. We love her and miss her dearly but are so very thankful for the time we had with her, the lessons she taught us, and the unconditional love she showed each of us.

Interment will be at the Middleton Cemetery in Middleton, Idaho at one o’clock on Saturday, April 22, 2023. In lieu of flowers, you may honor her by making a donation in her name to the Disabled American Veterans®.