Joyce Powell Morin lived a life devoted to faith, family, community, and service to others. Whether she was comforting a patient, supporting a colleague, spending time with family, or embracing a friend, Joyce had a special way of making people feel loved and valued. Caring for others wasn't simply what she did. It was who she was.
Born on October 24, 1954, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Edward and Mildred (Zeller) Powell, Joyce grew up in the community she would call home for much of her life. She attended St. Mary's Academy and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1972. She continued her education at Marylhurst University before transferring to the University of Portland, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1976. She later earned her master's degree from Oregon Health & Science University and received a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education from Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.
Joyce devoted more than 43 years to healthcare, a profession she truly loved. Her journey at Mid-Columbia Medical Center began as a nursing aide while she was still in college. Through hard work, determination, and a genuine passion for caring for others, she rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest director of nursing in the hospital's history at just 28 years old. She went on to serve in several leadership roles, including vice president of nursing, chief cultural officer, director of volunteer services, and chaplain. Throughout her career, Joyce helped shape not only how patients were cared for, but also the culture of compassion and service within the hospital. She was a respected leader, a mentor, and someone who never forgot that healthcare was, first and foremost, about people.
Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life and shaped her belief in service above self. Joyce understood that healing involved more than medicine. She believed in caring for the whole person, recognizing the importance of dignity, compassion, and spiritual well-being. Her passion for spiritual care and love of labyrinths led her to play an instrumental role in bringing a labyrinth to Mid-Columbia Medical Center, creating a peaceful place for reflection, prayer, and healing. It was one of the many ways she gave back to the community she loved.
While Joyce found great purpose in her work, her family was at the heart of her life. She and her husband, Tony Morin, celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on April 1, 2026. Together, they raised three children, Jacqueline "Jackie," Jaymie, and Joshua, and built a life filled with love and shared memories. Joyce treasured her role as a wife and mother and later embraced the joy of being a grandmother to five grandchildren. Her family was a source of tremendous pride and happiness, and the time they shared meant the world to her.
Joyce had a special love for butterflies and sunsets, finding joy in the simple beauty of the world around her. Following her Alzheimer's diagnosis, she had butterflies tattooed on her arm as a reminder that even in life's darkest moments, there was still beauty to be found. It was a small but deeply personal expression of her spirit, her hope, and her determination to hold on to the things that brought her joy.
Joyce once said that she measured a day by the number of hugs she received. It was a simple sentiment that spoke volumes about the woman she was. She understood that life's greatest gifts weren't things, but people. A warm embrace, a kind word, a moment spent together. These were the things that mattered most to her.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Tony Morin; her children, Jackie Morin, Jaymie Flores and her husband, Jose, and Joshua Morin and his wife, Jacqueline; and her five beloved grandchildren, Hector, Sebastian, Lilly, Holly, and Andre. She is also survived by her six siblings, Judy, Janet, Jeri, Joe, Jean, and Jeff, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Mildred Powell, and her brothers, John "Jack" Powell and James "Jim" Powell.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service reflected in the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered for the patients she comforted, the friendships she nurtured, the community she served, and the family she loved so dearly. Above all, she will be remembered for her warmth, her generous spirit, and the way she made people feel that they mattered.
Perhaps the best way to honor Joyce is to remember what mattered most to her: to love generously, embrace one another, and never underestimate the importance of a hug.
Funeral Services
A public viewing and visitation will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, Oregon, on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter's Catholic Church in The Dalles on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall, providing an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share memories, and celebrate Joyce's life.
