Joyce Susan Haufrect

Joyce Susan Haufrect, 78, passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, after a courageous five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She inspired everyone around her with her unwavering optimism and grace as she faced her health challenges under the care of physicians at Houston Methodist Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Remarkably, Joyce and her husband, Eric, simultaneously underwent treatment for metastatic cancers while lovingly caring for one another throughout their illnesses. Joyce was born on May 24, 1948, in the San Francisco Bay Area to Gertrude ("Trudy") Miller and Arthur S. Miller. She was the eldest of three children. After spending her early childhood in California, her family returned to Washington, D.C., when she was nine years old before ultimately settling in Dallas. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. It was there that she met the love of her life, Eric Haufrect. Introduced on a blind date by Joyce's sister, Nancy, it was truly love at first sight. After Eric was accepted to Baylor College of Medicine, the couple married in Dallas on June 28, 1969. When Eric began medical school in Houston, Joyce transferred to the University of Houston, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and later completed post-baccalaureate studies in Business. During Eric's medical training, Joyce worked as a social worker with Harris County Child Welfare, helping children in foster care. Joyce and Eric welcomed two sons: Brian, born in 1975, and Mark, born in 1978. Their accomplishments brought her immeasurable pride. She beamed as she listened to stories of their latest adventures and never tired of asking questions about their lives. She celebrated every achievement—big or small. Alongside her sons, the greatest joy of Joyce's life was her family, especially her three grandsons: William Frederick Haufrect, Henry Arthur Haufrect, and Noah Ruiz Haufrect. She adored them and delighted in supporting their academic, athletic, and personal achievements. Whether attending games, school events, or special milestones, Joyce was always present, cheering them on. She was especially grateful for her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Ann ("Kim") Haufrect, whose love and guidance helped instill the values that made the family so proud. A devoted mother and community builder, Joyce was deeply involved in her children's schools. She served on the board of River Oaks Elementary School and chaired numerous charitable auctions and book fairs. At St. John's School, she hosted countless events in her home, including parent-faculty dinners and the annual post-game gathering following the St. John's–Kinkaid football game. Her home became a welcoming place for students, families, celebrations, and community events. She generously volunteered as a chaperone for dances, graduations, and school activities. Joyce dedicated much of her life to volunteerism and philanthropy. She served on many boards including ChildBuilders, the Houston Symphony League, the Boulevard Oaks Ladies Club, and the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) at Houston Methodist Hospital. She co-chaired Houston Methodist's Women's Day Event and the Faith and Medicine Luncheon and served as Honorary Chair of The Immunization Partnership fundraiser. Joyce particularly enjoyed hosting dinners and events in her home to support charitable causes. Among her favorite contributions were elegant French dinners she prepared and donated to fundraising auctions. Joyce will be remembered as a loyal and compassionate friend. She devoted countless hours to helping family and friends navigate life's challenges and was always eager to join others for a concert, play, dinner, or adventure. She pursued many interests throughout her life. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Joyce captained Houston Ladies Tennis Association teams for decades, even after she was no longer able to play competitively. Having studied piano as a child, she developed a lifelong love of classical music and was a devoted attendee of symphony, chamber music, opera, and ballet performances. Joyce also loved travel and explored destinations around the world with friends and organized groups, often while Eric remained in Houston caring for patients. She was an enthusiastic participant in the Women's Institute, where she studied subjects ranging from political science and economics to literature and the arts. Inspired by her mother's passion for antique silver collecting and dealing, Joyce became knowledgeable in the field herself and delighted in helping friends discover treasured pieces for their collections. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 57 years, Dr. Eric Haufrect; her parents, Trudy and Arthur Miller; and her brother, Irwin Douglas Miller. She is survived by her sons, Brian Haufrect and wife, Kim, and Mark Haufrect and wife, Dana; her cherished grandsons, William Haufrect, Henry Haufrect, and Noah Haufrect; her sister, Dr. Nancy Glass of Dallas; and her sister-in-law, Dr. Susan Miller. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful physicians and caregivers who provided exceptional care throughout Joyce's illness, including her oncologists at Houston Methodist Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center: Dr. Garth Beinart, Dr. Wade Rosenberg, Dr. Robert Wolff, Dr. David Hong, and Holly Kinahan, RN. A private family graveside service was held on Monday, June 1, 2026. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in support of Dr. Robert Wolff and Dr. David Hong, https://gifts.mdanderson.org; the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) at Houston Methodist Hospital, https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm; or a charity of your choice.

Joyce Susan Haufrect

May 24, 1948 - May 28, 2026