Joyce Zoe Sell

JOYCE ZOE SELL, 73, of Denver was reunited with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 16, 2008 due to multi-organ failure. Joyce was born in Athens, GREECE on October 30, 1934, to Sophia Koumiotou (Xerou) and John Koumiotis. Joyce was the youngest of six children, three of which did not live past the age of three. Joyce came to America in 1956 and lived in New York City, Chicago, Illinois then Denver, Colorado. She married Gus Nasious then gave birth to Eleni in 1959. They later divorce. She then married Melvin Sell on December 23, 1965 and gave birth to Lorraine (Laurie) in 1966, Robert (Bob) in 1970, Christina (Tina) in 1971, Rebekah in 1975 and Esther in 1977. She is preceeded in death by her mother, father, two sisters, two brothers and one child (Esther). Her birth name was Zoe (Greek meaning 'life') and she characterized this by living each day to the fullest. She accepted Christ as her Savior in 1970 and had a close walk with God until her untimely death. Anyone who knew Joyce knew of her love for God. Joyce was young at heart and loved life. She had a gentle heart and kindred spirit, she loved nature and animals, surises and sunsets, reading, bargain hunting, palm trees and most of all her family. Joyce was very thoughtful and selfless, always putting everyone else first. In all she did, she would consider others and how could she do something to make another persons' day more special. Joyce was a lifetime student always wanting to learn more about a wide variety of subjects. Prior to her death she went on an extended vacation through Southern California, Nevada and Utah. She spent many hours watching and listening to nature and various animals. She was raised swimming in the Mediterranian Ocean and finally had the chance to visit the Pacific Ocean, bringing back many childhood memories. Within one day of her return home to Denver she became ill and was in the hospital in less than one week. On June 30th, Joyce was rushed into surgery for an intestinal blockage then within twelve hours was in OR again to remove a skin bacteria. The next day it was learned that the bacteria had spread and she would need to go back for more surgery, at which time a large portion of her right side was removed. Due to these procedures she was forced to undergo thirteen more trips to the OR for skin/muscle graphs, replacement of dressings, etc. Additionally, a couple of weeks into her hospital stay it was learned that she had advanced Acute Lukemia. Mom never gave up and even though she was on pain medication she knew what was going on and how much her body was going through. She continued to smile and stated that God would heal her. She was indeed healed, however, it was through her faith and heavenly body. Prior to her death she would often stare up in the corner of her room and the look in her eyes let those around her know that someone was there waiting to take her home. She died in peace knowing how much her entire family and many friends loved her and even though she will be sorely missed we know where our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend is right now. We are sure that when she got to heaven there was an overwhelming and joyous reuniting with her parents, siblings, daughter and other loved ones, who had gone on before her. For those of us still here, we know however, that this is not really good-bye, just 'farewell for now'. Those of us who have eternal life in heaven through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior we will be reunited with her again someday. We love and miss you mom…farwell for now!