ESCANABA - Laura Joyce Metor, 82, of 1105 Lake Shore Drive, Escanaba, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba. She was born May 30, 1930, in Escanaba and was daughter of William and Charlotte (Bennet) Elliott. Joyce was the 14th of 16 children born to Charlotte Elliott. She graduated from Escanaba High School in 1948.
Joyce was employed as a telephone operator, sold Stanley Household Products and was a foster parent nurturing hundreds of children over the years. Many of the children have stayed in touch with Joyce, considered Escanaba their home base and still call Joyce, Mom. Joyce attended many conferences and workshops with the state of Michigan in foster parenting. She received many awards over the years for her commitment to foster parenting.
She loved to read and write and advanced her education at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba. Joyce was a member of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, taught Sunday school at church and was very involved with the church activities. Joyce was active in outreach programs and was involved in continuous prayer chains.
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Laura Joyce Metor
Laura Joyce Metor is survived by her children, Mary (Jim) Backlund of Gaylord, Mich., Molly Hamman (Ted Vandekoppel) of Kalamazoo, Mark Metor of Wisconsin, Michael Metor of Escanaba, Matthew Metor of Escanaba, Melissa Metor of Escanaba, Missy Metor of Escanaba; six grandchildren, Zach, Max, Sammy, Sarah, Rob and Rachel; sister, Phyllis Ohman of Escanaba; brother, Bill (Lois) Elliott of Escanaba; nieces and nephews, Mike, Bill and Joani Elliott, Linda Strzok and Steve and Tom Ohman; and former husband, Don Metor of Powers.
Private family funeral services were held at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba.
The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
