Marion Joy Niemietz, nee Avery, of O'Fallon Ill., born in Grates Cove, Newfoundland, Canada died on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.  She was 84 years old.

Joy received her Teacher's license in Newfoundland where she taught, before meeting her husband Herb, who was stationed at Goose Bay Air Base. Herb swept Joy off her feet and they were married in Panama City, Fla. on February 20, 1959. Herb's Air Force career took them to multiple Air Force bases both stateside and overseas. Together they raised three lovely girls, Karen, Susan and Heidi. Joy loved to travel and meet new people. She had a warm smile and friendly word for everyone. She was active in the NCO Wives Clubs at several Air Force bases. Joy enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading and cake decorating. She loved spending time with her friends, grandkids and great grandkids. She will be sorely missed by all.

Joy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Herbert Niemietz; her parents, Chesley George Avery and Jessie Crummey-Avery; three brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her brother Leonard (Rita) Avery of Ontario, Canada; three daughters, Karen L. (Dennis) Gerstner of Louisville, Ky., Susan R. (Paul) Garber of Chicago, Ill., Heidi M. (Brian) Fitzgerald of Las Vegas, Nev.; six grandchildren, Brandon Gerstner, Adam Gerstner, Kristen Gerstner-Miller, Paul Garber, Elizabeth Garber-Kopil, and Zackary Fitzgerald; four great-grandchildren, Camden Race Miller, Saylor Miller, Charlotte "Charlie" Gerstner and Elliot "Ellie" Gerstner and many nieces and nephews in Canada.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the charity of the donors' choice.

Due to the Covid virus, the family will have private funeral services at a later date.  Joy will be laid to rest with her husband at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.