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Joyce E. Allen left this world peacefully with her family and friends by her side May 18, at home. Joyce was born May 31, 1943, to the late Evelyn (Taylor) and Robert Pieper, Sr. She graduated from West Haven High School and moved to Clinton, where she resided for most of her life.

Joyce was full of life. She loved traveling to new places and trips to the casino either to gamble or watch her beloved Sun women’s basketball team. She was an avid bowler throughout much of her life and competed in the bowling Nationals for many years. Winters would find her rooting for UConn women’s basketball team and she prided herself on knowing the names of every player and their position. Most of all, Joyce loved entertaining. Her home along the river was always open, as she loved nothing more than a good party in the “fun room.” Joyce spent her life giving to all who knew her.

She owned and operated The Grapevine Wine Supply Store in West Haven and Branford for many years and later co owned a ceramics store with her mom. Joyce was co-founder and treasurer of the Clinton Taxpayers Association and for 30 years was an advocate for fair taxes in town. She was also an organizer and officer of her neighborhood association, The Country Club Estates. Joyce gave passionately to her family, friends and community and for this she was treasured by all who knew her.

Joyce leaves behind her brother Robert Pieper, Jr.. and his wife Judy, her nieces Kimberly Robarge and Kristen Russo, as well as nephews Robert III, Eric, and Doug Pieper. She also leaves behind her beloved companion, Bruce Whittaker and his three children Shane, Cody, and Keri-Ann, along with her adored step grandchildren, Jacob, Gabriella, Isabella, Luca, and Dante. She is also survived by her “special” granddaughter, Julie Uliyana. Besides her parents, Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Larry Allen.

A special thanks to Joy and Lisa who took such good care of Joyce during her final days.

A small private service will be held on Saturday, May 29, at the Beaver Brook Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Joyce’s Life for ALL who knew and loved her at 13 Indian Drive, Clinton, at 1 p.m. in the “fun room.”

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Valley Shore Animal Welfare, 647 House Hill Road, Westbrook, CT. 06498. Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.