Joyce B. Haight, 97, passed away in San Diego, California, on August 17, 2026, after complications she sustained from a fall in her home.

Joyce was born on April 28, 1929 in Beloit, Wisconsin, and was the daughter of Leon G. Herreid (Treasurer at Beloit College) and Margaret C. Herreid (Alumnae Recorder at Beloit College). She grew up in Beloit, and was very active in musical groups as a student, playing oboe in various orchestras and bands. She graduated from Beloit High School as valedictorian in 1947, and then attended Lawrence University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and Phi Beta Kappa in 1951, as an English major. Joyce was a lifeguard at Krueger Pool in Beloit every summer while she was in college. After graduation from Lawrence, she spent a year in France on a Fulbright Scholarship. Upon returning to America, she married fellow Lawrentian, James Haight, who was subsequently drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. After he completed OCS and finished his service to the Army, Joyce and Jim returned to Beloit, where they lived and raised their family.

Joyce had a life-long interest in all competitive sports and games, especially golf and tennis. She entered the Beloit city tournaments in both sports for many years, never quite winning! One of her most rewarding accomplishments was co-coaching the Beloit Catholic High School girl’s tennis team for several years. Joyce and Jim were competitive duplicate bridge players in southern Wisconsin and San Diego, and both achieved the status of “Life Master”. The Life Master status is based on one’s performance in regional and national tournaments. They continued playing duplicate bridge regularly, well into their 90’s! Joyce was also the organizer for the annual trip to “the lake” in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and enjoyed planning activities for the adults, kids and grandkids like “All Sports Day”, band concerts, golf outings, and lots of card games!

Joyce enjoyed working as a tax preparer for both H & R Block, and Siepert’s Accounting firm from approximately 1976-1987. In 1987, she and Jim purchased a condo in San Diego, where they spent their winters, near their three children and grandchildren. They spent many happy winters in San Diego, as well as maintaining their house and many activities with friends in Beloit, until Jim passed away in 2022.

One of Joyce and Jim’s most cherished activities was taking their children and grandchildren on various European trips and cruises from 2001-2018. Many great memories were made that included sight-seeing, singing, dancing, biking, white water rafting, hiking, sheep sheering, gondola riding, and eating lots of gelato!

Joyce is survived by her son, Bruce Haight and wife, Liz Spier of Poway, California; son Michael (Jeannie) Haight of Hernando, Florida; and daughter, Marcy (Tom) Peterson of Sterling Heights, Michigan. Grandchildren include Natalie (Matthew) Murphy of Murrieta, California; Jeremy Haight of Las Vegas, Nevada; Matthew (Caroline) Peterson of Clarkston, Michigan; Timothy (Kelly) Peterson of Spring City, Pennsylvania; and Jenna Peterson of Royal Oak, Michigan. Very special step grandchildren include Blaire and Andrew Bas. Joyce was pre-deceased by her husband of almost 70 years, Jim, her brother, Paul C. Herreid, and her grandson, Ryan Haight. Great-grandchildren include Keira, Nolan, Joel, Ian, Caleb, Abigail, Teddy, Luke and Hannah.

We would especially like to thank Bruce & Liz (and the amazing Lupe Cedillo) for the wonderful care they bestowed on Joyce since her move to a senior living facility in 2022. Bruce and Liz included Joyce in many, many family activities, dinners, outings, and, of course, hundreds of games of cribbage! Bruce said that Joyce beat him two out of three games of cribbage the day before she passed away! She was always a competitor, and will be deeply missed by her family. Rest peacefully, Mom/Gran, your 97 years were a gift to all of us.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, in July, 2027. Donations of remembrance may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.