Joyce Tatman Schafer, age 70, of Newark, DE, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 19, 2016. She was born February 5, 1946, in Wilmington, DE to the late Charles P. and Madaline Richter Tatman.

Joyce grew up in Chesapeake City MD and graduated from the Bohemia Manor H.S. She then spent two years at the Towson College in Baltimore, but chose to return back home to marry and settle down. She began having migraines which continued for the rest of her life. Her headaches greatly interfered with her employment, making it difficult to continue in her jobs. She was a Medical Transcriptionist, a job she truly loved, and was very good at it. She was employed with Union Hospital in Elkton, with the Christiana Hospital, the DuPont Children’s Hospital, ending with the icing on the cake for her, working with the National Board of Medical Examiners in Philadelphia. This was her most prestigious job and one of which she was so very proud. But she had to retire in 2010 due to her migraines.

Joyce had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun when she felt well. In March of 2013 she moved to the Main Towers, a senior living facility in Newark, where she lived until her death. The “Towers” was very handy for her since the Newark Library was right across the street. Joyce loved reading and would go over to the library and load up with books, reading as many as 4 and 5 a week.

Joyce is survived by her son, Scott Moran of Providence RI, and her daughter Jennifer Moran Foti, of Ewing NJ; a grandson, Severin, and two granddaughters, Bridget and Molly; her two loving brothers, Gary and Bruce Tatman of Newark; her first husband, James Moran of Chesapeake City and by her second husband, Thomas Schafer of Bay City MI; a sister-in-law, Linda; her nephew, Troy Tatman and his wife, Elaine, and their two children, Cooper and Sophie Tatman; and by many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like offer their gratitude and appreciation of the valiant efforts of the Newark EMT personnel who did their very best but they were unable to save her life.

Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Friday, June 24th at the Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 318 George Street, Chesapeake City, MD 21915. Friends and family may visit one hour prior beginning at 11AM. Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery. Although flowers are very welcome, memorial contribution checks can be made to “Faithful Friends” and sent c/o the funeral home. To send an online condolence, visit www.rtfoard.com