Joyce NICHOLSON Obituary

Joyce I will miss your smiling and welcoming demeanor that I was lucky enough to come across during the times we met either at doll shows conventions and work shops. I particularly remember a Workshop that I attended in my early days as a dollmaker. I was attempting to make an outfit that I would never have tried by myself by the end of the workshop my sewing skills had improved by 100%.

Joyce was also the editor of the NZDF Newsletter for many years and also a very much treasured member. Her input was very much appreciated both as Editor and also as a member of the Executive Committee Member.

RIP Joyce

I first heard of Joyce while living in Australia. She was known all over the world for beautiful doll costumes and quality leather doll shoes. And she was a Kiwi, just like me.

Returning home early 2010 I so enjoyed getting to know her personally. We will all miss her so very much.

I am now going to try to make my own leather doll shoes, but no matter how they turn out, they won't have "Joyce Nicholson" stamped on the soles.

Joyce, thank you for your friendship, and may you rest in peace.

Glenis. M. Torbay

I first heard of Joyce whilst living in Australia. She was known all over the world for her many skills including dolls costumes and her quality leather shoes. And she was a Kiwi,just like me.

Returning home in 2010, I so enjoyed getting to know her. We will all miss her so very much.

I am going to try to make my own doll shoes now, but no matter how they turn out they will not have "Joyce Nicholson" stamped on the soles.

Joyce my friend, may you rest in peace.

Glenis.M. Torbay.

Thank you for your friendship Joyce. Your smiling face helped me to enjoy going up on friday nights. My neighbour with her lovely dog. I will miss you
Joan Ross

As well as being a devoted, much-loved Mother and Grandmother, Joyce was a world-renowned costumier of antique French, German and modern ball-jointed dolls. Joyce was also a world renowned miniature shoe-maker, exporting hundreds of tiny shoes to clients in Europe, Japan and America. Joyce had a particular love for all five versions of the small Bleuette fashion doll. Her knowledge about them was encyclopaedic, and she enjoyed making the various outfits that authentically represented half a century of fashion history. This she did with amazing skill and accuracy that required painstaking concentration due to the miniature sizes she was working to. Joyces work was inspirational, but more than her artistic genius and knowledge, the impact that Joyce made on others was all the greater for her fine personal qualities; her big heart and ready smile, her gracious manner, her wise advice, her huge love of family and her fine cooking which she loved to bless others with. I also loved the way her dog Stu adored her and always seemed to know what Joyce was thinking and feeling. Rest in peace Joyce. I will always miss you. My deepest sympathy to your beloved family. Arohanui ki a koe era I roto I te rangimarie, e manaaki atua.

Very sad news. Sending love to Michelle and Wayne and families. You were a talented and kind person who will be sorely missed.
With best wishes.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Looking at the last card you sent to us, saying "Friends are the Flowers in Life's Garden". You were a beautiful Flower.
We treasure the memories of the times we spent together, and the fun and companionship we shared travelling and doing shows. You will be greatly missed.
Loving thoughts to your family.
Tricia and Cliff Stewart, and Matthew.

You were a talented and gracious lady you will be remembered around the world every time we look at your dolls wearing your tiny shoes. Gail Mitchell

Goodbye for now Joyce.
The help and friendship you have shared over the years has made the world a brighter place for myself and all the extended family.
The hours we spent while preparing for the reunions and book publishing is something I will always treasure.
I'm sorry I couldn't find Stephen's father for you, I guess that leaves it up to you! You know where I live!
My love goes with you, Trevor Bramley.

My wonderful friend. How I will miss our times with Stu and Jeb the visits to the farm and the laughs and outings for a good meal.
The rummaging around the plant barns looking for that special plant. The lovely garden you organised and purchased for Joan's new garden. That was all your work. It looks great now.
Keep everyone in line now you are with them.
RIP Joyce. For ever remembered. xxxx