Joyce I. Brereton-Ham, age 62, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Lodi Good Samaritan. Joyce was born October 12, 1948 at the Methodist Hospital in Madison. She graduated from Lodi High School and went on to Northwestern University where she earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in Music Education. She continued her education at Ohio State where she emphasized saxophone performance. During this period she performed extensively in the Columbus, Ohio region, including the Columbus Symphony. Her career centered on teaching music to students ranging from young beginners to college students. While in Ohio she taught at several universities and colleges and at the Columbus Academy. She went on to teach band at Sherman Middle School in Madison. She also taught privately throughout most of her career.


In addition to music, she loved nature and gardening in particular, and canning some of the results of her gardening. She was a frequent contributor to the Lodi Fair. She played in the Lodi Band and was heavily involved in other Lodi community musical events. She was an active member of the Lodi United Methodist Church.


Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Harland and Lucille (Voegeli) Brereton. She is survived by her husband Robert Ham; son Richard Brereton; step-daughter Rebecca (Ham) Hebblewhite and husband Arthur; step-son Carl Ham and wife Kerry; four grandchildren, Rachael, Olivia, Kira and Aaron; sister Wilma Brereton; and brother John Brereton.


Funeral services will be held at LODI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 Locust St., at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 with Pastor Scott Walters officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011.

Memorials may be given to SMF (Special Music Fund), administered by the Lodi United Methodist Church.