Joyce D. Celestine

Joyce Dugas Celestine peacefully entered eternal life, surrounded by family, on January 9, 2019, at the age of 90. She was the beloved wife of Leonard P. Celestine, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Born in New Orleans, LA, she was the only child of Joseph and Mabel Dugas. She grew up knowing that she would be a teacher, and fulfilled her childhood dream in a career that spanned 41 years. She cared deeply about her students, and positively impacted the lives of countless children, both as a teacher, and later as a school counselor.

Joyce obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans in 1949, and her master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1953. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She began teaching mathematics at age 22, having high school students age 17, only a few years younger than herself…one of them being the youngest brother of her future husband.

Joyce was a loving wife and a devoted mother. She and Leonard moved to Southern California in 1956, where she raised her family. They lived here for almost 40 years before retiring to Las Vegas, then returned in 2013 to be close to family. She was an avid Bridge player, and also worked hard to become a skilled golfer, which she enjoyed immensely in her retirement. She lived a full and adventurous life, as honorary co-pilot on Leonard’s private plane flights, as 2nd mate on his sailing jaunts, and partner as they drove and camped across the country and back. They even headed North to drive the scenic Alaska Highway. Although she left the South, she was always proud of her heritage. Among her talents were cooking delicious Louisiana Creole food, sewing, and making beautiful jewelry. She enthusiastically followed many sports; tennis, golf, even motocross, and was a huge Lakers fan. She was close to her extended family, and traveled often to spend time with them. She cherished her many close friends.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Leonard; her 3 children: Vanessa (spouse - Jeff), Greg (spouse - Cherry Mae), and Kevin; her 6 grandchildren: Dominic and Maurice (spouse - Sophia), plus Kristi, Konni, Jhonny and Katie; her 3 great grandchildren: Temoc, Kinan and Tonalli; her sister-in-law: Jacqueline and her sons Darrell and Kyle; plus many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Joyce’s legacy is what she taught by example – love life, live it with joy, hard work, belief in yourself, and put no limits on what you can achieve. She continues to guide her loved ones from the Heavens above. She will be in our hearts forever.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2019 at 10 am in the Historic Church at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, with interment at the Chapel View Green Hills Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 9:30am to the time of the service, with a final goodbye at the conclusion of the service.