Tributes have been paid to a remarkable icon of dance and musical theatre in the Morecambe area.
It was announced on Sunday that Joyce Roach MBE, better known across the Lancaster and Morecambe District as Joyce Warrington, has died aged 93.
Joyce taught countless young people how to dance, and choreographed and produced numerous musical theatre productions across the region in a career spanning many decades.
She continued to work tirelessly for the local amateur dramatics scene into her later life.
Morecambe Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (MAODS) announced the news of Joyce's death on Sunday.
"It is with much sadness that I must announce that our president Joyce Roach (or Joyce Warrington as she was known to many) passed away peacefully this morning at 12.20am surrounded by her family.
"She had regularly produced shows for MAODS for many years, before retiring to work tirelessly as chair of the committee and latterly as the Society's president.
"A remarkable lady, who was well respected by and achieved so much for the amateur damatic and dancing scenes throughout the area during her lifetime. She will be greatly missed."
Joyce was renowned for her Joyce Warrington School of Dance, and in 2006 was awarded an MBE for services to dance in Morecambe.
She also won The Visitor's Sunshine Award for Entertainment in 2012.
Online tributes have poured in to Joyce, including from many of her former dance school pupils and also many leading lights in the local musical theatre scene who she inspired and worked with over the years.
Sophie Butler described her as "a remarkable lady and huge inspiration to many of us".
Vanessa Whittle said that "I, along with thousands of others owe her so much and the theatre world wouldn't be what it is today without her".
Audrey Tarney said: "A massive loss to her family, MAODS and the wider am dram family. Much love from myself and all at LADOS (Lancaster Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society)."
Alison Birtle said: "Joycey was our star. So supportive. So helpful.
"She believed in me when I came back to musical theatre after so many years away and told me I could do it. I would never have carried on in 9 to 5 when I was cast without Joycey telling me to get in and do it. A force of nature with the kindest of hearts."
Councillor Joanne Ainscough posted: "Very sad news, I was only talking about her dance classes that I went to when I was a little girl the other day.
"She was an incredible lady, inspiring so many children."
Joyce also served as a councillor for Morecambe on Lancashire County Council during the 1980s.
“Joyce was proud of her time on the council," said County Councillor Charlie Edwards.
"She gave me some wonderful advice about serving the community with kindness, something she did in every part of her life. I’m so glad I met her.”
The Morecambe Warblers posted a tribute, which said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joyce Warrington MBE, who dedicated many years to our local dance and theatre community.
"Joyce will be sadly missed and very fondly remembered by all who knew her. Our thoughts are with her family at this time."
Joyce leaves behind a daughter Gail, son Gavin, son in law Stephen and grandchildren Dominic, William and Kate.
She was a huge family person. Following her retirement and the death of her beloved husband Keith in 2014, she continued to throw herself into family life.
Joyce and Keith had first met in 1954 when he went to a 'Starlights' show on the Central Pier in Morecambe, where Joyce was an usherette.
Here is Joyce pictured with Keith.
Joyce loved spending her time surrounded by family at her house on the Cliffs at Heysham, and on many family holidays.
She was particularly thrilled that her granddaughter, Kate, was pursuing a career in the theatre, having won a musical theatre scholarship to Laine Theatre Arts.
Joyce was renowned for her fabulous tap routines. Her last theatre trip was to see Anything Goes at the Grand Theatre in May this year where she thoroughly enjoyed watching a group of her ex-dancers, including her daughter, Gail, tapping together and wearing their Joyce Warrington smiles!
In September 2023, Joyce moved into Eric Morecambe House in Torrisholme where she remained until she passed away on Sunday.
Her daughter Gail said: "She won the hearts of the residents and staff there with her eternal positivity and enthusiasm for life - right to the very end.
"The care she received in Eric Morecambe House was first class and the family cannot thank them enough for the kindness they showed."
The funeral will be on Thursday October 17 at 2pm at the Church of St the Divine, Sandylands followed by a family committal at Hale Carr cemetery and a celebration of Joyce's life at Morecambe Golf Club. Everyone welcome.
Morecambe Winter Gardens to open to public for new season
Cash for repairs to Lancaster Port gate announced in £6.5m flood defence package
Carnforth fire crews issues safety advice after tackling blazes in the open
EXCLUSIVE: Battle of Britain Dakota display announced for Armed Forces Day in Morecambe
Heysham school to open new nursery after government cash boost
Local election candidates announced
Holiday park empire donates £100K to Lancaster hospice
Lancaster and Morecambe events will 'Spring into Action' over food
Lancaster City Council shortlisted for four local government awards
Man pleads guilty to Heysham murder
Driest March in Lancaster since records began
Pioneering Morecambe 'podcast' from 1980s unearthed after 44 years
Lorry driver from Morecambe arrested after positive roadside drug test
Hundreds raised after vandalism to Lancaster hospice shop
Plans under way to bring spring flowerbed planting back to Morecambe
New cycle and pedestrian friendly crossing completed in Morecambe
INTERVIEWS: Morecambe Bay visitor guide launched with high hopes for tourist season
Council looking at ways to fund £1m refurb of village hall in Carnforth
Pan-disability game at Morecambe FC will raise awareness of autism
Morecambe lifeboat crew respond to reports of ‘flashing lights and red flares’
