Obituary of Joy M. "Chele" Jarman

Joy Jarman, fondly referred to as “Chele” by family members, passed peacefully from this life after a 10 year challenge with breast cancer on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in the Broomfield home that she shared with her true soulmate and loving husband, John Horendeck. She was a twin, born second to her brother, Jerry “Gunner” Jarman, who died in 2004. Joy knew that one day she would be seeing Jerry and her mom, Dorothy, once again. She is survived by her brother, Lee Jarman of Texarkana, and her sister Andra Croy of Westminster, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Dearly loved by family and friends, she was an incredible human being. Joy graduated from Arvada High School in 1972 and worked for the City of Arvada from 1973 until she retired in 2004. She worked in the Human Resources Department the entire time and returned to help HR with special projects from 2005-2019. Two of her proudest moments while working for the city came as Joy was named Employee of the Month in July 1996 and later that year as the Employee of the Year. She loved her job as Benefits Administrator and enjoyed knowing and working with nearly every Arvada city employee during her tenure.

Joy was known for her sense of humor, quick smile and a mischievous twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes. Always upbeat and optimistic, she loved to laugh, was caring, helpful, kind and generous to all. Cruises and traveling were a favorite for Joy. She was thoroughly delighted with her cruise to the Panama Canal, and enjoyed Hawaii and the Caribbean Islands cruises, as well. Joy liked to spend time in Florida, watching sunsets in Key West and appreciated various quick trips to Las Vegas, Cripple Creek and Black Hawk. Slots were her game and she was pretty lucky! Watching the Colorado Rockies was her favorite pastime as far as sporting events, plus she supported and attended Denver Broncos games. Along with many friends, she had a definite interest in old cars and hot rods from the 1970s and 1980s. Her favorite person (husband, John) had the same interest in cars and that was part of the attraction in their relationship. Did you know that they met for the first time in 1968, started dating in 2004…and FINALLY made it official, getting married in 2017? Yay!

Joy was a voracious reader during her entire life and enjoyed reading books and working on puzzles and crosswords from the newspaper. These activities were soothing in the last few months of her life and she would sit outdoors on the patio while taking in the fresh air and relaxing. When she was indoors, she loved watching “old” TV programs like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Diagnosis, Murder” and “Perry Mason.” The Hallmark Channel movies were a favorite, as well as the TV game show “Jeopardy.”

Joy. The name was perfect for her as she was a pleasure to be around and brought so much happiness to all those in her life. Joy was a well-loved wife, sister, aunt, friend and coworker who was a delight to be around. She will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life for Joy will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022.

Donations to honor Joy can be given to:

Almost Home Adoptions for Rescued Cats

6010 W. 88th Avenue

Westminster, CO 80031