Joyce Baker Brekke passed away peacefully in Berkeley, California on April 26, 2013 surrounded by family. She was born to Wright and Velma Baker in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

She graduated from Monticello College in Alton, Illinois with high honors in 1952. She then attended the University of Oklahoma and was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study abroad after graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in history in 1954.

Joyce decided to attend the University of Oslo in Norway for her postgraduate studies from 1955 to 1956. It was during this time that she met her future husband Tor L. Brekke. They were married on August 02, 1958 and settled in Norway where they had two sons Tor and Gunnar. The family moved to Berkeley in 1970.

Joyce lived a wonderful life full of love and joy. She shared her warm and gentle nature with all of those around her. Her love of community involvement and tennis were only surpassed by her love of family and friends.

She is predeceased by her husband Tor and brothers Bill and Gib. She is survived by her sister Beverly; sons Tor and Gunnar; daughter-in-law Carolina; and grandchildren Naomi, Monica and Sofia.

Joyce lives on through the kind acts of those who she touched with her gracious way of life.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St., Berkeley, Ca. on Saturday May 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.