Ellen Joyce (Malenius) Niemi

Ellen “Joyce” (Malenius) Niemi. October 5, 1931 – September 27, 2024.

Ellen “Joyce” (Malenius) Niemi peacefully passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Edgewood Vista, where she received compassionate care from their staff and the hospice team at Caring Edge. We imagine her entering heaven with joy, playing the accordion and dancing a polka without a care in the world.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ben; her devoted son, Richard; her cherished parents, Alex and Signe Malenius; and her kind & caring brothers, Victor, Toivo, Eugene (Skip), and twin brother, Edwin.

Born on October 5, 1931, to Alex and Signe (Mahala) Malenius. Joyce graduated from Eveleth High School in 1950. Over the years she shared many fond stories about her youthful adventures working at a tree nursery and at the Arrow Shirt Factory in Virginia, MN. She enjoyed reminiscing about her friendships and experiences in the vibrant 1950s.

On October 1, 1955, Joyce married Bernhard "Ben" Niemi; and they made their home in Embarrass, MN, where they raised their children, Richard "Rich" and Carol. Joyce was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries which gave her the opportunity to serve her community.

Joyce was known for her delicious baking, including caramel rolls, pies, and Finnish flatbread. She encouraged her children to join her in the kitchen with kid-sized baking supplies. Her homemade stew and pasties were family favorites, and during hay-making season, her homemade root beer was always a hit—especially when some bottles accidentally exploded! Joyce’s love of music spanned all genres, a passion she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She brought joy to family gatherings with her accordion playing and loved to dance with Ben. An avid reader, she often stayed up late to finish her latest novel, a habit she maintained until her passing.

Generous and thoughtful, Joyce had a knack for gift-giving. If you mentioned liking something, you could be sure she’d present it to you the next time you visited! She was also a talented writer and artist, creating heartfelt birthday cards adorned with her own poems and drawings.

In her final year at Edgewood Vista, Joyce made many new friends and spoke fondly of the kindness she received from the staff. We are deeply grateful.

Joyce will be dearly missed by her daughter, Carol (Tom) Sundberg; her grandchildren, Ashley (Dustin) Finner, Leighton Sundberg, Benjamin Niemi, and Ian Sundberg; and her great-grandchildren, Keira and Mataeus. She will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and the love she shared with everyone around her. Joyce leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and an indelible mark on the hearts of her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Joyce will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Hope Lutheran Church in Embarrass (5088 Hwy 21). Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Christina Forsythe. Burial will follow at Waasa Township Cemetery.