Donna Joyce Brezina

Joyce Brezina (85) of Kailua, Hawaii passed away on December 12, 2010 at her home.



Donna Joyce Nickeson was born April 23, 1925 in Langdon, North Dakota to Hal and Etna (Sykes) Nickeson. She grew up in Langdon graduating from Langdon High School in 1943. She attended North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton, North Dakota where she studied Lineotype & Printing. She worked for the Telephone Company and Roxy Theatre both in Langdon.



On November 15, 1950 Joyce married Quentin Brezina, who was born and raised in Osnabrock, ND. They made their home in Langdon where they raised their four children and established Brezina Excavation. In the early 1980’s, Joyce and Quentin moved to Hawaii to be near their four children. In Honolulu they started Wholesale Equipment Restaurant & Supply Company. Joyce also enjoyed owning a small yarn shop in downtown Honolulu.



Joyce was active in the Langdon Presbyterian Church and with her children’s school activities. She was accomplished in handiwork and an avid knitter who crafted beautiful garments, including Langdon High School’s Cardinal wrestling and cheerleading team knitwear. She continued teaching knitting lessons until her health failed.



Joyce is survived by three children: Kelly Brezina Honolulu, HI; Corliss Altman (Joel) Aptos, CA; Heather Schilz (Mark) Santa Monica, CA; Five grandchildren: James Altman, Calder Brezina, KC Brezina, Sarah Altman and Matthew Schilz; and one sister, Phyllis Fulton.



She was preceded in death by her parents Hal and Etna Nickeson, her loving husband Quentin, daughter Nancy, son Scott, and brothers James (Bud) Nickeson and Duane Nickeson.

A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Langdon, ND at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2011.



Thank You

We would like to thank Mom's cousins, Tom & Jolene Magiera, for their vigilant watch, all her neighbors, friends and Hospice Hawaii for all of the comfort, conversation, care and kindness bestowed on Mom's behalf.




Heather Schilz

20 Ocean Park Blvd. #24

Santa Monica CA 90405

Corliss Altman

541 Cuesta Drive

Aptos, CA 95003

Kelly Brezina

2522 Rose Street

Honolulu HI 96819