Alma Joyce Hackworth's Obituary
Joyce Hackworth, age 89, of San Diego County, California, passed away on January 10, 2023. Alma was born in Akron in 1933. She graduated with a BS from Kent State, Ohio, and taught high school in the area. Joyce & her husband moved to California in 1958 and raised a family of two girls and one boy.
Joyce continued teaching and then volunteered as PTA President, along with being a Girl Scout trainer. Joyce joined St. Dunstan’s Alter Guild and served on it for over 50 years. Forty years ago, she made a commitment to her church by pledging her faith to Daughter’s of the King. DOK is an order of prayer and service to the Episcopal church. She also volunteered at Holy Spirit Anglican Church.
She taught middle school science for over 20 years. Her room and all the live animals were open to students early before school. Students came in every day to help care for them at the start of their day. They learned caring, sharing, gratitude and responsibility. Joyce went back to school while working full-time and earned her Master’s in Education at University of San Diego (USD) in 1982.
Joyce was an early member of Blazing Paddles, an enthusiastic group of canoeing friends. She enjoyed many early morning paddles on the local waters and a deep interest in and knowledge of San Diego’s wildlife. In 1988, Joyce was invited to join Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a society for key women educators. Her nomination for admission meant that others had recognized her exceptional talent and ability as a teacher. Her volunteering included the Olympic Center, and in her field of science the Challenger Space Center, along with teaching at Ruben Fleet Science Center. Joyce was recognized as San Diego‘s “Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year” in the 1990s.
She will be remembered as a dedicated teacher, who loved her students and loved teaching. More than that, she will be remembered as dedicating her life to the Lord. May she rest in eternal peace with her youngest daughter, Millie.
Joyce is survived by her daughter Cindy Hackworth Urban, son Howard Hackworth, wife Sue Ann and grandson Shane, along with son-in-law Rod Milstead and grandchildren Tyler, Sydney, and Alden Milstead. There will be a private ceremony with just the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by going online at The Ruben Fleet Science Center at https://www.fleetscience.org . Please make sure to select a Dedication Option at the bottom and write in Joyce Hackworth. Or by sending a check payable to the Fleet Science Center
Attn: Matthew Kirl
Fleet Science Center
PO Box 12010
San Diego, CA 92112
Write in Joyce Hackworth in the memo field.
What’s your fondest memory of Alma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alma?
Share a story where Alma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alma you’ll never forget.
How did Alma make you smile?
