Joyce Jacquelyn (Martin) Longest

Joyce J Longest, 79, of Griswold CT, passed away peacefully at Complete Care at Harrington Court Colchester CT on 2/14/22. She had just been diagnosed with cancer on 2/4.

Joyce was born in Jacksonville, FL on 10/1/1942 and is predeceased by her biological parents Everette G Judkins & Evelyn M (Rolley) Judkins as well as her adoptive parents Lucille V (Rolley) Martin & Richard R Martin (Also her aunt and uncle).

Joyce’s father, Lt Col Richard R Martin served in the US Air Force and Joyce herself went on to serve in the United States Air Force SQDN 3743 in 1961. As she grew up, She traveled to many locations including Germany and Taiwan. She graduated high school from Taipei American School and also attended cooking classes at the Grand Hotel in  Taipei Taiwan.

Joyce held many jobs over the years. She worked at the schools where her kids were as well as many retail jobs, eventually working at both of the largest casinos in the world. She opened Foxwoods Casino in 1991 and then opened Mohegan Sun Casino in 1996. She was a slot attendant and Slot manager. She went on to retire in 2011. She continued to visit both casinos not only to play but to see the many friends she had made in the years she worked there.

Joyce is survived by her sister Joan A Galligan of Griswold, whom she has lived with for over 20 years. Daughter Retina Luft & Husband Patrick Luft of Griswold, Son Ian Longest & wife Krista Longest of Griswold, Grandchildren: Christopher & his Wife, Matthew & his Wife Kimberley, Sarah, Patrick, Courtney & Her husband Ryan. Nephew Dean Galligan and His wife Anessa from Jacksonville, NC and many more Nieces & Nephews who she loved very much.

Joyce was a wonderful person and would help anyone she could. She especially loved animals, anything with Ladybugs, eating grapefruit, her friend Midge’s deviled eggs, playing Words with Friends with her nephew Brad, her daughters in-laws and spending time with her family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with Military Honors 12pm Tuesday March 1, 2022 at the Pachaug Cemetery, Griswold, CT (999 Voluntown Rd, Griswold, CT 06351).  There are no calling hours. 

Those who wish, may send memorial contributions to:

Paws Cat Shelter:

240A Route 171, Woodstock, CT 06281

http://www.woodstockcats.org/Donate.html

Wings of Freedom Animal Rescue, Inc.

PO Box 172 Griswold, CT 06351

http://www.wingsoffreedomanimalrescue.org/Donate.html

Or any animal rescue of your liking.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Jacquelyn (Martin) Longest, please visit our floral store.