Joyce Appleford

Joyce Ann Appleford, 90, of Fresno, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23rd

She was born the last of eight children to Will & Edith Robertson, on December 27, 1934, in
Oklahoma, on her families journey from Arkansas to California during the Dust Bowl. She
is the last of her generation. She was married to Fred Appleford who preceded her in death.
She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1954, after attending her K-8 education in
Cantua Creek.
Joyce is survived by her two children, Nancy Robertson and Michael Carter, both of whom
reside in Washington state, and stepmother to Terry Appleford, who pre-deceased her.
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grandchildren who adored her. She

worked for many years with a large trucking company in Southern California, and was co-
owner along with her niece, Diana Giannoni, of Repeat Performance in the Tower District of

Fresno for fifteen years, from 1987 to 2003. She was also employed at The Vault, in Fig
Garden Village. She volunteered for many years at the American Cancer Society Discovery
Shop on Bullard and West avenues.

Joyce was a faithful member of the First Street Church. She was a devoted family member
and loving 'Aunti' to so many of her nieces and nephews, who will miss her caring and
compassion, along with her beauty, fashion style, and sass. Well into her 80's she became
guardian to her grandson, James Appleford, after the passing of his parents, and supported
him through high school and college graduation.

She loved travel and was able to experience trips with her husband on cruises to
Scandinavian countries, Russia, and the United Kingdom. She also traveled with Fred to
sister cities in Japan and Mexico. After his death, and one month after 9/11, Joyce and
Diana traveled to Italy and France by themselves to explore various cities via the European
train system.

The family would like to thank Nancy Hinds Hospice, Jessica Callahan and Maria Esteves
for their loving care during her last days. Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday,
June 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Belmont Memorial Park where she will be interred with her late
husband.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.