Joyce Marie Torres-Zack passed away peacefully due to complications of a blood infection affecting her heart on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She had been hospitalized for approximately three and a half months before her death. She fought courageously during that brief time, making everyone believe in miracles as she continually defied the odds against her.

Joyce was born on January 3, 1965 in Bay City, TX, to father Pedro Torres and mother Guadalupe Torres, née Perez. She grew up in a large, loving family with seven brothers and four sisters. She was schooled in her hometown and graduated from Bay City High School as a member of the Class of 1983.

Joyce spent the majority of her life as a resident of Bay City before leaving TX to move closer to family. In Summer 2004, she moved with her mother and daughters to Phoenix. Their stay in AZ was brief, before moving to Metamora, MI, in September 2005. The quaint village, approximately 50 miles from Detroit, served as home until Joyce was married on December 26, 2009. She, her husband, her daughters, and her mother have since settled permanently in Lapeer, MI.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Robert Zack; her daughters Ashley and Elizabeth Torres; her mother Guadalupe Torres; her brothers Robert, Rudy, Richard, Steve, and Frederick Torres; her sisters Sylvia Hirani and Anna Lopez; her husband's adult children Lani Nonis, Randall Zack, and Leah Leach and their families; and, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members. She is preceded in death by her father Pedro; her brothers Pete Jr. and Julian Torres; and her sisters Helen Young and Diana Mejias.

Joyce will be remembered for her bright smile and infectious laugh. She was an ardent lover of all things Christmas, always eagerly starting her countdown on December 26th for the next year's festivities. She enjoyed gardening, baking, funny movies, listening to oldies but goodies, and exploring beautiful Michigan. But nothing made her happier than spending time or catching up with family and friends. She was diagnosed with lupus as a child, but she remained brave and hopeful in her battle and never let it get the best of her.

Visitation will be from 5-8p.m. Wednesday October 21, 2015 with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30p.m. at the funeral home. Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday October 22, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City with Monsignor Gerry Cernoch celebrant. Rite of committal to follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert Torres, Andrew Grey, Gabino Lopez, Peter Lopez, Norman Mejias and Freddie Mejias. Honorary pallbearers are Amos Perez, Eddie Munguia and Steve Mejias.