Darleen Joy Frame, who always went by Joy, went home to her Heavenly Father February 1, 2022 from her home in Lincoln. Born December 21, 1929 to her parents Earl Sickels and Blanche M Conkel in Red Oak, Iowa. After graduation from Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing where she earned her degree in nursing and became a Registered Nurse, Joy married James J. Rodzielski in Bangor, Maine in 1951. Joy and Jim had two children Jane Ann and Jeffrey Joseph. In 1974 she married Robert Frame and was married until his passing.

Joy had an intriguing career in nursing. Most of her early career was at St. Elizabeth Health Center. She held various positions at St Elizabeth Hospital, starting as a floor nurse, moving to a position as an in-service educator. She helped in developing the Sterile Processing Department after moving from the Old St. Elizabeth Hospital on South Street to the new location in 1969 on South 70^th.  Joy went on to continue her education getting her bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan and later her Masters in Continuing Education from the University of Nebraska.

Ever since her graduation from St. Elizabeth School, her heart always belonged to St. Elizabeth Hospital. Joy was always active in the Nursing Alumni and the Nursing Alumni Scholarship Committee. Her beloved friend Dee Bellew was by her side throughout this journey until the final alumni banquet this summer, which was a celebration of their 70 year graduation.

She headed the department of Nebraska Methodist Continuing Education Department. She taught at Southeast Community College Medical Assistants and Metro Community College in the Health Sciences Departments. Throughout her career she was active in the Nebraska Heart Association and multiple other health care association groups.

In her retirement Joy dabbled in Real Estate, loved keeping her plants alive, especially her Orchids. She loved nature. She was a talented watercolor paint artist, her favorite subject being flowers and nature scenes. She showed her paintings in various venues, including the Wildwood Art Gallery in Nebraska City for the past several years. She also illustrated a book that she and her late high school friend Norma Jean wrote.  She was a member and held an office in the Nebraska Artist Guild.

Joy was involved with multiple card groups and triopoly groups. She participated in water aerobics at Prairie Life-Genesis Health Clubs.  She was a member of the local Welcome Wagon and Book Clubs. Joy enjoyed traveling all over the globe; Europe, Mexico and multiple states in the United States. Her last trips were back to Maine to see her niece’s D.J. and Linda. She also traveled to Colorado to see her nephew Max McCoy and his daughters and their children.  When she had a young family, traveling to and camping at various places was the vacations of choice! Black Hills and Grand Teton National Park being some of the most memorable for her children.

Joy was a seamstress and during the pandemic made over 500 masks for local organizations, as well as for the Arbor’s Memory Support and Woodland’s at Hillcrest where her sister-in-law resides. She was an animal lover and has missed her beloved Lily for the last several years, who was her companion for 12+ years. She loved her grand-pups and had a special bond with Prada.

Joy’s children and grandchildren were the loves of her life. First born was Jane and 18 months later son Jeff came into this world. Jane married Joe Ouellette and they had a son Cohen. Joy babysat him his first six months of life, taking him to bridge club with her, train rides at the zoo and watching Sponge Bob until she thought her eyes would fall out. Cohen had his grandma wrapped around his little finger. He could talk her into buying video games for him, or most anything. She loved attending his soccer games. She always had a large container of “morsels” (chocolate chips) especially for him. She was proud of his recent adventures moving to Glenwood Springs, CO to pursue his career.

Her son Jeff is married to Jolene. Jeff had the first grandchild and the only grandchild for 10 years. Grammy (Joy) babysat Deidra most of her school age years. Deidra was theatrical and put on many shows for the family at gatherings. Singing and Dancing, Grammy always encouraged Deidra’s artistic side. Grammy went to volleyball games, diving meets and dance recitals.  Deidra was a true blessing to her Grammy.

Sunday Dinners were a favorite of Joy, having the family together, or whoever could show up. She loved cooking for holidays and hosting holiday gatherings.

Joy believed in her Heavenly Father and loved Him. She loved music especially old traditional hymns.  It is comforting to know that she is with her Heavenly Father and her mother, sisters, nephews, husband and her beloved dog Lily.

Joy will be remembered as a loving human, Christian in her beliefs, a nurse, a supportive mother and friend. If she could say something to her family and friends, she would say thank you for touching her life and bringing her each one of your unique gifts and sharing them with her. She would also say that she loves you and will always be with you in spirit. She would say “eat right and keep moving”…eating right includes chocolate!

Those left to cherish he memory include daughter and son in law, Jane and Joe Ouellette; grandson, Cohen Ouelllette and his special friend Lauryn Johnson; son and daughter in law, Jeff and Jolene Rodzielski; granddaughters, Deidra Shestak and wife Tiffany Shestak; nieces, D.J. Antone wife Linda Antone, Cheri Hart, Suzanne Hart and Lila Kay; nephews, Robert McCoy and wife Judy, Max McCoy and special friend Deb Pentz; grand pups; Ski, Abby and Prada; her dear friend Delores Bellew; her many bridge competitors, artist friends and many other friends who touched her life.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents Blanche M. Conkel and her husband Clyde Conkel; sister, Lois McCoy, her husband Paul and their son Michael; sister Jo Tackitt and her son’s Robert and David; husband, Robert Frame; her children’s father, James Rodzielski and her beloved dog Lily.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 7, at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln. Viewing one hour prior to service. Memorials to the Capital Humane Society. The service may be viewed live by clicking the flowing link: Wyuka Funeral Home – YouTube

When attending service please abide by local and CDC Covid-19 guidelines.