Saint Paul, MN - Aleda "Dee" Marie Joynes lived a life marked by love, perseverance, and a quiet resilience. Though she faced more than her share of adversity, she brought joy to everyone around her—especially in the years after her stroke, when her humor, warmth, and light shone more brightly than ever.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Dee graduated from Hopkins High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Minnesota, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant. She was a dedicated single mom who built a life around supporting and loving her children, Joe and Becky. She believed deeply in friendship, kindness, and connection, and she truly never met a stranger.

Dee loved reading, music, good food, and playing games—particularly cribbage and backgammon. Her generosity, even when she had little to give, was a hallmark of her life. She taught her children to be brave, to help others when they could, and to find joy in small things: shared meals, games, and cherished trips to Lutsen and Lake Superior with family and friends.

After her stroke at age 62, Dee fought hard to recover and was gifted fourteen more years to watch her children live their lives. Those years became some of her most defining. Her days were filled with dancing, laughter, and determination. She made a home at Lyngblomsten Care Center, where she lived for the last seven years of her life. The friends and staff there became her second family, and she loved them deeply. She will be equally missed by her children, her closest and lifelong friends, and the community that cared for her with such devotion.

Dee is survived by her son, Joseph Grant Nilsestuen (49, Los Angeles), and her daughter, Rebecca Lynn Nilsestuen (46, St. Paul).

You never met a person who gave so much love while asking so little in return. We can take comfort in knowing that she was more ready to go than we could ever have been ready to lose her.

A private service for close family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in Dee's memory may be made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation or the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, supporting two of her favorite places.