Mary Cutrell Nielsen "Joyce" of Virginia Beach, age 85, passed away on December 28 after a long and heartbreaking struggle with Alzheimer's. Joyce was born August 11, 1932, in Suffolk Virginia, the daughter of Wilbur and Sybil Cutrell.

Joyce retired after more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher in the City of Virginia Beach and Ryan's Academy in Norfolk. She was a devoted Christian and long time and active member of the Baylake United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for more than 40 years. Joyce enjoyed singing, dancing, playing cards, spending time the backyard pool, which was several inches less than her height as she was not a very good swimmer.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband of over 30 years, Eric Nielsen.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Eric Nielsen, Jr. and wife Jan; her daughter Susan Lynn Felton and her husband Alan; her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Andrew Nielsen, Nicolas Nielsen, Alan Felton Jr. and daughter Alana Felton, Joseph Felton, Chrystal Lawrence and her husband Matthew, Jill Mobray and her husband Brian and children, Benjamin, Nicholas and Alice.

Joyce's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the caring and supportive staff at Atlantic Shores and Harbourway Assisted Living and Memory Care at Atlantic Shores.

Services will be private and held at a later date. Parr funeral home will manage final arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund.