DELMAR - Joyce Pardee, 79, of Delmar, died Friday, April 15, 2011, at home. Born in Cambridge, Md., on Sept. 18, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Virginia Lee Phillips Benson. She was also the beloved stepdaughter of the late Wilmer Brooks of Cambridge, Md. She was married to the late Walter Leslie Pardee, Sr., who preceded her in death in 1963. A graduate of Cambridge High School and Easton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Mrs. Pardee worked for the majority of her life in the health care field as a Registered Nurse. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was most happy when around her family. Mrs. Pardee enjoyed studying American History, reading, gardening, and working puzzles and other mind-stimulating activities. She loved writing poetry and was honored that some of her work was published. She could always be counted on for good conversation, often providing laughter thanks to her quick wit. She is survived by her children, Walter Leslie Pardee, Jr. and his wife Melva of Delmar, Md., Lori L. Brennan and her husband George Jr. of Delmar, John Keith Pardee of Fruitland, Md., William W. Pardee of Salisbury, Md., and Thomas G. Young, Jr. of Orlando, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Michael A. Pardee, Walter L. "Chip" Pardee III and his wife Terri, John Marcus "Mark" Pardee, Denise R. Pardee, Shannon M. Holder and her husband C.S. III, George E. "Trey" Brennan III, Cassie A. Brennan; two great-grandchildren, Ethan M. Pardee and Cash Holder. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Evelyn Jones of Rock Hall, Md. (and her family); and a son-in-law, William Ozman of Salisbury, Md. One daughter, Deborah Pardee Ozman, predeceased her. A private service was held at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, Md. Interment was held in Chester Cemetery. In her memory, contributions may be made to Delmar Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Fund, PO Box 143 Bi-State & Grove St., Delmar, DE 19940; or Compassionate Care Hospice, 28467 DuPont Blvd, Unit 6 Suite 6, Millsboro, DE 19966. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home Chestertown, MD www.fhnfuneralhome.com