Joyce Ann Notter

Joyce Ann Notter (nee Guitteau) passed away peacefully on the evening of October 24, 2021, surrounded by family both near and far at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, MO. She was born on May 10, 1930, at St. John’s hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was 91 years old. She grew up in Brentwood, MO along with her older brother (Bob) and sister (Mary Jane). She graduated St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School in 1944 and graduated from Brentwood High School in 1948. Her Senior yearbook quote was “She’s not a flower, she’s not a pearl. She’s just a regular all-around girl.” She was active in school spirit and was a member of the Pep Club, the Dramatics Club and was a cheerleader. In an era where moms were expected to do “mom” things, like make lunches, do laundry, and cook dinner, she had to do all those things and find work outside the home. Despite not having a lot of work experience, a college education, or many opportunities, she was able to build a career of which she was proud. She was beautiful, smart, good with numbers and a hard worker. She showed us how to persevere, be brave and strong. And somehow, she still managed to raise nine amazing children. Each of them special to her in their own way. Each achieving things that were never possible for her. She was often overheard bragging about her kids to family, friends, or strangers about their accomplishments, camping and floating trips, scouting adventures, vacations and much more. Not only did she have her own children to keep track of, but often times there were one or two grandkids and many friends that would hang-out after school or stay with us for short or extended periods of time. Mom would become their “mom”. That’s just how it was. What was one more plate at the table? She also had to take care of the dogs, bunnies, turtles, cats, and whatever other animals we kids brought home. We had many beloved pets growing up, but a few stand out – Ashley, Cat, Belle (Mooch as mom called her), Ginger, Erin, Spanky, and Thumper. She loved musicals, especially the old ones and going to The Fox and The Muny theatres. She cheered for the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals. She traveled to France and Germany to visit Ed, Sharon & Roque while they were stationed there. They went to many places in France including Paris and in Germany to Koln and Trier. She also enjoyed cross-stitching, playing card games with friends, reading romance novels, swimming, butter pecan ice cream, fresh fish of any kind, baking and watching old movies. In her later years, she enjoyed the simpler life at St. Joseph’s Apartments. She was able to go on amazing trips to places like Alaska, where she did a seaplane ride to see the Glaciers, to Minnesota to see one of her favorite “crooners” Tony Bennett and to the Grand Canyon, where she saw some amazing scenery and wildlife. She attended many birthday parties, family gatherings and social events. Most of all, she enjoyed her time with her family and her “zoo” animals. Mom will be missed, but her laugh and her smile will live on in our hearts. Joyce was preceded in death by Mary and Robert Guitteau (parents), Mary Jane Walter (sister), Robert Guitteau, Jr. (brother), Thomas J. Notter (son), James F. Notter (son), Carol E. Neenan (daughter), Richard J. Notter (son), Charles G. (Susie) Notter (son), SPC Brendan P. Neenan (grandson), Dawn N. Hochthurn (granddaughter). Joyce is survived by Edward J. (Sharon) Notter (son), Kathleen T. Hochthurn (daughter), Mary C. Notter (daughter), Kenneth C. (Stephanie) Notter (son), 11 Grandchildren, many Great Grandchildren and Great, Great Grandchildren, the Neenan Family, and many special “Family” Friends. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, November 4th from 4 – 8 PM at J.B. Smith Funeral Home, 7456 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO 63143. Special thank you to the doctor’s, NP’s and staff at West County Medical Associates, MoBap Hospital and Evelyn’s House. We won’t name names, but you know who you are and that you hold a special place in our hearts. Family condolences may be posted on J.B. Smith Funeral Homes’ website - https://www.jaybsm

Joyce Ann Notter

May 10, 1930 - October 24, 2021