Joy Marie Boushey, 89

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joy Marie Boushey, who left us on February 19, 2025 after a brief health battle. She was 89 years old. Joy's legacy is one of strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family. Her spirit was bright, and her heart even brighter.
Joy Marie Haugen was born March 11, 1935 in Mekinock, North Dakota, the daughter of Thelmer and Violet (Gerou) Haugen. She grew up in Mekinock, North Dakota and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School. Her life was marked by a devotion to family and hard work. On December 27, 1952, Joy married Thomas Boushey at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of East Grand Forks and enjoyed 63 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter and success. Their five children—Charles, Linda, Joseph, Julie, and Randall—were the pride of her life. Joy was also a proud second-generation co-owner of A&L Potato Company, a family business that continues to thrive with the fourth generation. Joy retired in 2003 and her and Tom wintered in Texas and Mesa, AZ. Due to Tom’s health they stayed in East Grand Forks until his passing in 2016.
A woman of many passions, Joy was known for her love of yard work, her meticulous care of her home, and her ability to keep track of every family story and detail. As the family historian, she treasured her role in preserving the memories that bind generations together. A true social butterfly, Joy had a gift for conversation and was never shy about sharing how proud she was of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and her enduring strength.
Joy is survived by her children, Chuck (Shirley) Boushey and Linda Skarsten all of East Grand Fork, Joe (Wendy) Boushey of Fargo, Randy (Bonnie) Boushey of East Grand Forks, Julie (Brent) Lindsey of Columbus, Ohio; sister Kay Kennedy of Grand Forks, ND; thirteen grandchildren Rick (Gwen) Boushey, Chris (Amy) Boushey, Mark Boushey, Milissa (Ryan) VanEps, Amy (Dave) Bohlman, Jason (Ann) Boushey, Eric (Devon) Boushey, Ryan (Charlotte) Lindsey, Chad Lindsey, Nicole (Jamie) Kazmierczak, Jenni (Zach) Bruer, Katelyn (Frankie) Vargas, Jayden (Matt) Schreurs and19 Great-Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Tom Boushey; parents Thelmer and Violet Haugen; great-great grandson Eric Schultz, and her son-in-law Gene Skarsten.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Shriners Children's Hospital or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, two causes that were close to Joy’s heart.
Rest in peace, Joy. You were a true matriarch, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew you. You will be missed more than words can express.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Was held 5:30 PM, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Service is available to watch on Joy’s page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com
VISITATION: 3:30-5:30 PM on Wednesday also at the funeral home.
INTERMENT: Calvary North Cemetery of Grand Forks in the Spring
 
Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com