Joyce Ellen McFarlane

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Ellen McFarlane. She passed surrounded by family on September 21st, 2026 after a recent cancer diagnosis.

Joyce was born to William and Hazel Muldoon on August 25th, 1959 in Portland, Oregon. Joyce spent a happy childhood visiting grandparents a short walk away and biking southeast Portland with her younger brother Kevin and their friends. She was also deeply involved with her Community of Christ family throughout her life.

She studied at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa from 1977-1981 at the encouragement of her beloved cousins. There she braved the Iowa winters and met the love of her life, Gary McFarlane. Upon graduating, she began working as an English teacher in Seaside. Gary completed his degree one year later and quickly followed Joyce to Oregon, and the two were married on August 20th, 1983. You would rarely find Joyce and Gary apart throughout their beautiful 43-year long marriage.

Joyce continued to work as an English teacher across Oregon, and while living in Florence, Joyce and Gary welcomed their first child, Scott, in 1991. The family then settled in Roseburg, Oregon in 1995. Scott kept them so busy that they waited to have their second child, Katie, in 1997.

After the birth of her second child, Joyce devoted her time to raising the children, substitute teaching, and tending her gardens. She never went anywhere without a book but could be easily persuaded into conversation with anyone. Some of her greatest joys in life included watching mystery shows and flying kites on the Oregon coast, followed by a stop for ice cream!

Joyce is preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband Gary and their two children Scott and Katie. She also leaves behind her brother and uncle, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Joyce was an avid reader, with a special passion for mystery novels. We ask that any donations be made in her name to the Roseburg Library so that her memory may allow many others to find the same joy in books that she did. Please mail checks to:

Roseburg Public Library 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd Roseburg, OR 97470

Her celebration of life will be held in the Ford Room at the Roseburg Public Library on October 24th at 2pm.